CNL-523 Topic 1: Short Answer Questions
Directions: Provide short answers of 150-200 words each for the following questions/statements. Do not exceed 250 words for your response. Use the textbook and any other scholarly resources to support your responses. Include at least three to four scholarly journal articles beyond the textbook and course readings.
- Explain the difference between psychological tests and psychological assessments.
- Explain the significance of utilizing both psychological tests and assessments within the counseling field.
- Identify and describe the four different types of psychological tests discussed in Chapter 2 of the textbook?
- Briefly describe a historical overview of significant events that occurred during the development of appraisals within the counseling field.
References:
CNL-523 Topic 1: Short Answer Questions
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- Explain the difference between psychological tests and psychological assessments.
Psychological tests and assessments are different components used to conduct psychological evaluations. Although these components are related, they have significant differences. Psychological tests refer to formal, systematic, and standardized procedures used to observe the behavioral and mental characteristics of a patient. These tests mostly measure the behavior of a person over time or compare differences in behavior among different people. The outcome of a psychological test is a test score that helps to gauge specific attributes and abilities among patients. All people who take psychological tests are evaluated similarly regardless of their location, culture, or the individual who administers the test (Cohen & Swerdlik, 2018).
On the other hand, psychological assessments involve gathering information using both formal and informal methods to answer specific questions, make decisions, or solve problems. Unlike tests, assessments are individualized and assessors must possess evaluation and data integration skills. Assessments incorporate numerous data collection methods including clinical interviews, informal surveys and tests, medical records, observational data, and medical evaluation (Cohen & Swerdlik, 2018). Assessments may also include interviewing other people who interact with the client such as their family members, co-workers, or teachers. In such situations, the client’s consent must be obtained (Ruggeri et al., 2019).
- Explain the significance of utilizing both psychological tests and assessments within the counseling field.
Insights from psychological assessments and tests help to obtain a better understanding of the patient’s mental health status and to make an accurate diagnosis. Tests and assessments also help to determine specific counseling interventions for patients and the intensity of these interventions based on the severity of the patient’s issues. Furthermore, insights obtained from assessments and tests help to collaborate with patients to set goals and objectives for counseling, develop effective treatment plans, and ensure that patients comply with treatment. Patients also participate in psychological assessments which empower them to understand themselves and to work towards improving their mental health (Cohen & Swerdlik, 2018).
Results from both psychological tests and assessments reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the client. Interventions for clients can rely on these strengths to promote positive outcomes while at the same focusing on dealing with limitations that may impede client progress. Comprehensive assessments also facilitate the development of a therapeutic relationship through better communication and collaboration. Therapeutic relationships are essential for successful counseling (Bornstein, 2016).
- Identify and describe the four different types of psychological tests discussed in Chapter 2 of the textbook?
Examples of psychological tests include personality tests, intelligence tests, neuropsychological tests, and ability tests. Personality tests assess the personality traits and characteristics of a client and are mainly used to make clinical diagnoses. They mainly measure the emotions, behaviors, and attitudes of a client and may also incorporate environmental characteristics. Neuropsychological tests are used to assess the cognitive functioning of an individual. The main abilities tested include processing speed, learning, problem-solving, reasoning, reading, comprehension, attention, and language use. Examples of neuropsychological tests include Wechsler Adult Intelligence Test and the Wechsler Memory Scale. Intelligence tests assess an individual’s intelligence including their ability to understand, interact with, and learn from their surroundings. These tests help to identify people with developmental and mental learning disabilities (Cohen & Swerdlik, 2018). Ability tests measure an individual’s capacity to perform specific mental or physical tasks. Examples of abilities that may be assessed include verbal ability problem solving, decision making, judgment, and critical thinking abilities. Ability tests are mostly used when assessing potential employees. In schools, ability tests are also used to identify special needs students (Baron et al., 2020).
- Briefly describe a historical overview of significant events that occurred during the development of appraisals within the counseling field.
Testing programs can be traced back to China around 2200 B.C.E when tests were used to select people who were the best fit for government jobs. The tests assessed proficiency in various fields including archery, music, writing, horsemanship, and arithmetic. Historical records dating to 1600 B.C.E indicate that Egyptian physicians were experts in anatomy as well as surgical and medical procedures. However, psychological assessments were mainly conducted by priests. Ancient Greco-Roman writings illustrate attempts to group people based on personality types. Psychological assessment emerged in the Renaissance era. In the 19th century, Charles Darwin spurred interest in the study of individual differences, and other scientists including Charles Gaton, Darwin’s cousin, were credited with making significant contributions to the development of modern forms of psychological assessment such as rating scales and questionnaires. The late 19th century and early 20th century were characterized by a rising interest in mental tests as a way of assessing higher mental processes. Some tests including intelligence measures such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) test were developed within that period. Group intelligence tests became common during World War I due to the need to assess the recruits’ intellectual abilities. In World War II, psychologists were also called upon to administer these tests to recruits and interpret data. Since the tests were positively received by the general public, other psychology tests were consequently developed (Cohen & Swerdlik, 2018).
References
Baron, I., Melania, M., & Agustina, H. (2020). The Role of Psychological Testing As an Effort to Improve Employee Competency. GATR Journal of Management and Marketing Review, 5(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.35609/jmmr.2020.5.1(1)
Bornstein, R. (2016). Evidence-Based Psychological Assessment. Journal Of Personality Assessment, 99(4), 435-445. https://doi.org/10.1080/00223891.2016.1236343
Cohen, R. J., & Swerdlik, M. E. (2018). Psychological testing and assessment: An introduction to tests and measurement (9th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
Ruggeri, K., Bojanić, L., van Bokhorst, L., Jarke, H., Mareva, S., & Ojinaga-Alfageme, O. et al. (2019). Editorial: Advancing Methods for Psychological Assessment Across Borders. Frontiers In Psychology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00503