Psychological Testing

Introduction to Psychological Testing

Stevie Lakey

September 30, 2013

Psy 475

Jeffery Butler

Introduction to Psychological Testing Paper

The word test’s etymology, Oxford English Dictionary suggests, uses the cup to capture a picture of silver and gold after it is smelted (Hogan, 2007). The imagery illustrates the mechanism as a test by knowledge being captures and irrelevant information being disregarded. The Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing defines test as, “An evaluative device or procedure in which a sample of an examinee’s behavior [is]…evaluated and scored using a standardized process” (Hogan, 2007, p. 38). Cronbach and Anastasi, classical textbook authors, define test as, “an objective and standardized measure of a sample of behavior” (p. 38) and “…a systematic procedure for observing behavior and describing it with the aid of numerical scales or fixed categories” (p. 38), respectively (Hogan, 2007).Taking portions of every definition Hogan (2007) forms six crucial elements of test as a definition. The elements create an explanation about a test as a device or procedure used to obtain measurable, quantifiable information about cognitive processes and behavior using a standardized, systematic procedure; however, the actual definition is an understanding starting point as to how testing can further psychological exploration ends. A deeper understanding must take into consideration major categories, basic assumptions, users, uses, reliability and validity of testing pertaining to psychology.

Basic Assumptions

Tests are used in psychology to presuppose various assumptions that is the foundation of the implementation of any existing measures in psychology. Starting off, examiners assume individual characteristics and traits are able to be measured, are quantifiable; can be differentiated between individuals, and describable traits that hold an important aspects of individuality (Hogan, 2007). Secondly, presumptions must take place...