James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

PY3107:03

Introductory Psychometrics, Assessment and Ethics

Townsville, Cairns HECS Band 1

26 hours lectures, 12 hours tutorials, 24 hours practicals. Semester 2.

Staff: Ms M Hennessy (Townsville campus); Dr M Caltabiano (Cairns campus).

Psychological assessment is one of the most important professional activities performed by psychologists. This subject covers the major theories and concepts of psychological assessment. In addition, it introduces students to the major assessment techniques currently used by Australian psychologists. These will include intelligence, aptitude, personality, organisational and clinical assessment techniques. Although this is not an advanced subject, students will experience some training in the administration, scoring and interpretation of tests.

Learning Objectives:

  1. knowledge of the basic principles of psychometrics including test construction, reliability and validity;
  2. understanding of the strengths and limitations of the psychological testing approach;
  3. awareness of the ethical and cultural implications of assessment instruments;
  4. ability to evaluate a psychological test;
  5. ability to design, conduct and write-up a psychological research report.

Assessment by test evaluation (15%); practical report (35%); end-of-semester examination (50%).