Assessments Flashcards
(41 cards)
Psychological assessments
a series of steps, beginning with a problem or referral and ending with the psychologist’s communicating the results of the assessment to appropriate parties
What are the 4 types of psychological assessments?
- clinical interview
- assessment of intellectual/other domains of functioning
- personality assessment
- behaviorual assessment
Types of psychological tests
- intelligence
- personality
- attitude
- acheivement/attainment
- aptitude- learn or perform required tasks and succeed in a particular environment
- neuropsychological
- vocational
- direct observation
What do psychological tests involve?
use of formal tests e.g. questionneres/checklists
What are norm-referenced tests?
standardised tests so that test takers are evaluated in a similar way, no matter where they live/who gives them the test
What have norm-referenced tests been proven to be?
effective for measuring a specific trait or disorder. They need to have adequate specificity and sensitivty for detecting a specific trait or disorder
Assessment steps
- interpreting the referral
- asking questions/gathering data
- processing info/data and forming conclusions
- communicating assessment results
What is the first step of the assessment process?
referral question. Does the individual meet diagnostic criteria for clinical depression? if so how severe etc
what does gathering data/info from a wide range of sources include
- historical information
- interviews
- observations
- Standerdised tests
what does information from different sources give
integration of information from all sources allows coherent results and holistic assessment
What does the final stage of assessment include ?
the final stage is the clinician communicating the conclusions and providing recommendations in a way that is clear and helpful to the person making the referral
why is clarifying the question necessary before an assessment can be conducted
broad questions: such as what type of psychological distress if any does the person experience?) then a more open clinical assessment would be needed.
specific questions: specific (such as does the individual have a learning disability?), then a targeted assessment with test(s) would be needed such as a cognitive assessment/IQ test.
what are the 3 aims for clinical assessment?
diagnostic classification - always includes a formulation
treatment plan - if treatment is required it should be based on the formulation
forming a clinical judgement - based on info/data that is gathered during assessmengt
What is needed at the start of any assessment or therapeutic intervention?
confidentiality
what are limits to confidentiality
may need to discuss information with the team you are part of
If there are concerns about risk or safeguarding, you can disclose information to ensure safety
What are the aims of the clinical interview ?
Obtain relevant information and arrive at a decision, such as a diagnosis and/ or
intervention required.
Cover specific content areas
Usually takes place over one or two sessions.
clinical tools needed for facilitating an assessment
genogram - visual presentation of patients family r/s
timeline
rating scales – includes techniques, i.e., the anger thermometer
screening questionnaires
When is observation typically used in psychological assessment?
part of a session or used more formally, such as in school settings (e.g., assessing ADHD).
What does observation in assessment involve?
Directly watching how an individual behaves, interacts, and engages.
Why is observation important for some populations?
It’s useful for individuals who may not communicate vocally, such as those with learning disabilities.
What is the purpose of a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)
understand the function of challenging behaviour in individuals (often with learning disabilities) who can’t communicate their needs verbally.
What is often the main method used in FBA?
Observation—especially to examine patterns in behaviour and its consequences.
What do FBAs examine to understand behaviour patterns?
3 term contingencies:antecedents (what happens before), behaviour, and consequences (what happens after).
What other factors may be considered in an FBA?
Motivation and setting events like sleep, hunger, and support relationships.
