PY3089:03
Psychological Assessment
Townsville, Cairns
Prerequisites: PY2091 PY2092 PY2093
26 lectures, 24 tutorials. First semester.
Staff: Ms J Kirkham (Townsville campus); Dr M Caltabiano (Cairns campus).
This subject aims to provide students with a systematic introduction to the theory and practice of psychological assessment in evaluating an individual’s behaviour. Both the advantages and limitations of these tests will be considered in relation to the measurement of ability, personality, vocational inspirations, interests and skills. Ethical, legal and cultural implications will be addressed.
Learning Objectives:
- awareness of the strengths and limitations in the use of tests and arguments for and against such an approach to assessment of psychological characteristics;
- awareness of legal and ethical issues associated with use of psychological tests;
- knowledge of different purposes for which tests are available and exposure to examples from a range of tests such that the knowledge can be integrated and used in the resolution of practical problems;
- acquiring knowledge of the principles of test construction and the psychometric properties of testing;
- being able to evaluate tests according to psychometric properties;
- ability to communicate the results of tests by way of written reporting;
- being able to integrate and use knowledge of psychological assessment in the resolution of practical problems.
Assessment by practical exercise (20%); assignments (30%); end-of-semester examination (50%).
[Contents]