All tests can be classified on a number of continuums :

Individual or Group test : Indicates how the test is administered. Many versions of I.Q. tests are given in a one to one situation.

Speed or Power Test : Refers to whether any time constraints are built into the test.

A classic speed test would contain many simple items and a strict deadline, while a classic power test contains no time deadline but very difficult items.

Cognitive or Affective Test : Achievement and Aptitude tests (like the SAT) attempt to measure mental activity and are cognitive tests.

Achievement Tests assess knowledge of information already learned.

Aptitude Tests attempt to gauge whether a person is capable of learning a specific knowledge base.

The SAT is an aptitude test designed to assess your chance for academic success during the first year of college.

Affective tests are designed to assess interests, attitudes, and personal values of an individual.

Most personality tests are considered affective tests (16PF)

Psychological Test Classification (continued)

Objective or Nonobjective Scoring : Objective scoring procedures are fully specified before grading begins so that anyone grading the test would calculate the same score for a particular set of answers.

Objective Scoring is one consideration in determining whether a test is classified as :

Standardized vs. Nonstandardized: Refers to all aspects of creating, testing, and administering a psychological test.

As you may well guess, standardized tests are seen as theoretically superior measuring devices.

98 % of all scholastic exams you have taken have been nonstandardized.

Standardized tests have established norms to which you can compare an individuals performance.

Norms : The normal distribution of scores on a standardized tests determined by the test standardization group .

Psychological Test Classification (continued)

(Impara & Plake, 98)

A guide to all currently available psychological tests.

The MMY uses 18 content classifications do describe tests:

Will focus on the following type of tests :

In order to uphold ethical considerations which place the safety and well being of the psychological participant first,

An informed consent form is typically given to the testee before the beginning of any psychological evaluation or test.

An informed consent paper tells the potential testee all important facts about an examination (or experiment) so that the testee can decide whether or not to take the test.

The informed consent form will tell the person :

1. Why the test is being given.

 

2. Who will be seeing the results of the test.

Psychological Test data care considered "privileged communication" and may not be widely distributed without the consent of the examined.

However, certain federal guidelines may permit the viewing of the test by people with a "legitimate educational interest" if the test was conducted at a location receiving federal funds.