PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT A
PSY5MAA
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject students are provided with an introduction to assessment, integrating the scientist-practitioner roles of the professional psychologist. The focus is on concepts and techniques that are foundations for other subjects in the course. The assessment process, emphasising a problem-solving orientation, is examined. Psychometric theory and its relationship to testing is reviewed. Principles of assessment interviewing are outlined. The contribution of tests and testing to this process is considered in detail. Techniques of test administration and interpretation, with a particular emphasis on Wechsler Intelligence Scales, are explored. Communication of psychological assessment outcomes, particularly through report writing, is given close attention. Lectures and seminar presentations will be augmented through candidates' self-directed experiential activities.
School: School of Psychology & Public Health
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Geoff Denham
Available to Study Abroad Students: No
Subject year level: Year Level 5 - Masters
Exchange Students: No
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: Must be enrolled in HMCP - Master of Counselling Psychology.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Essentials of Psychological Testing | Prescribed | Urbina, S. (2004) | HOBOKEN, NJ: WILEY |
| Readings | Essentials of WAIS-IV assessment. | Prescribed | Lichtenberger, E.O. & Kaufman, A.S. (2009) | HOBOKEN, NJ: WILEY |
| Readings | Essentials of WISC-IV Assessment. | Prescribed | Flanagan, D.P., & Kaufman, A.S. (2004) | HOBOKEN: NJ: JOHN WILEY & SONS INC. |
| Readings | Essentials of WMS-IV Assessment | Prescribed | Drozdick, L.W., Holdnack, J.A., Hilsabeck, R.C. (2011) | HOBOKEN, NJ: JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC |
| Readings | Evidence of Absence: A Guide to Cognitive Assessment in Australia | Prescribed | Crowe, S. F. (2010) | BOWEN HILLS, QLD: AUSTRALIAN ACADEMIC PRESS |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Developed knowledge of the principles and theoretical background of psychological assessment with an understanding of issues relating to (i) reliability and validity, (ii)development and aging, and (iii) culture
- Activities:
- Participation in lecture and tutorial presentations throughout the series and undertaking the reading from the associated references.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Discipline Specific Competencies(Discipline Specific Competencies)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Communication(Communication)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Ethical/ Social Responsibility(Ethical/ Social Responsibility)
- Professional Practice(Professional Practice)
- Speaking(Speaking)
02. Ability to undertake a preliminary interview and undertake a structured history as the preliminary component of the assessment.
- Activities:
- Active participation in tutorial role plays.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Ethical/ Social Responsibility(Ethical/ Social Responsibility)
- Writing(Writing)
- Communication(Communication)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Professional Practice(Professional Practice)
- Discipline Specific Competencies(Discipline Specific Competencies)
- Speaking(Speaking)
03. Developed ability to administer psychological tests taking into account issues of validity and reliability, and contextual issues related to development and aging, and cultural diversity.
- Activities:
- Administration of the Wechsler batteries and various selected psychological tests to professional standard; videotaped testing sessions; written test reports. Active participation in lectures/seminars on issues related to development and aging, and cultural diversity.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Professional Practice(Professional Practice)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Communication(Communication)
- Discipline Specific Competencies(Discipline Specific Competencies)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Ethical/ Social Responsibility(Ethical/ Social Responsibility)
- Writing(Writing)
04. Developed ability to write assessment reports to a professional standard and suitable for different referral agencies or contexts
- Activities:
- Participation in seminars and tutorials on communication and report writing; written assignments and reports.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Ethical/ Social Responsibility(Ethical/ Social Responsibility)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Professional Practice(Professional Practice)
- Writing(Writing)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Discipline Specific Competencies(Discipline Specific Competencies)
- Communication(Communication)
Melbourne, 2015, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Geoff Denham
Class requirements
Lecture
One 2.0 hours lecture per week and delivered via face-to-face.
Tutorial
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| HURDLE: Must achieve an overall grade of 70% or more | |||
| MMPI-2-RF assessment | Assessment must be conducted in a professional and competent manner and a series of questions answered - 2 page reflective summary provided | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| WAIS IV & WISC IV assessment | Assessment must be conducted in a professional and competent manner and a series of questions answered - 2 page reflective summary provided | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |