PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
PSY5PAX
2017
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject provides 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, taking into account life-span and cultural issues. 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 the 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: Glynda Kinsella
Available to Study Abroad Students: No
Subject year level: Year Level 5 - Masters
Exchange Students: No
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
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 sereis and underatking the reading from the associated references
02. Ability to undertake a preliminary interview and underatke a structured history as the preliminary component of the assessment.
- Activities:
- Active participation in tutorial role plays
03. Developed ability to administer psychological tests taking into account issues of validity & reliability, and contextual issues related to development and aging, and cultural diversity
- Activities:
- Administration of the Weschler 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
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
05. Increased understanding about how to communicate effectively to the client, family or refereral agencies and other psychologists about the psychological assessment; and, understanding about how to incorporate the assessment results into treatment planning.
- Activities:
- Participation in seminars and tutorials on communication and report writing; written assigments and reports
Melbourne, 2017, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Glynda Kinsella
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 20-minute practical examination of a videoed assessment | Achievement of professional competence in administering a selected Wechsler test battery | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| One 1500-word psychological assessment report | 40 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| Four completed record forms of psychological test administrations | 20 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| One 500-word written reflective journal report | 10 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |