Chapter 12 Flashcards
(93 cards)
What is the definition of psychological assessment according to Ollendick and Hersen (1993)?
An exploratory, hypothesis-testing process using developmentally sensitive and empirically validated procedures to understand a child and formulate specific intervention procedures.
This definition emphasizes the collaborative nature of assessment rather than a mere testing process.
What is the primary purpose of psychological assessment for children?
To engage with the child and their parents in understanding and alleviating the child’s problems.
It contrasts with stereotypes of testing, focusing instead on collaboration and understanding.
Who are the primary clients involved in the psychological assessment of children?
Parents, teachers, and the children themselves, depending on their developmental capacity.
This highlights the collaborative nature of the assessment process.
What are the essential components of conducting a psychological assessment?
- Helping clients formulate questions
- Specifying assessment goals collaboratively
- Discussing results empathically with clients
These components ensure that assessments are tailored to the needs of the child and family.
What is the importance of using methodologically sound instruments in psychological assessment?
Good measurement is critical for understanding psychological functioning and guiding interventions.
Methodologically sound instruments help in accurately assessing various psychological constructs.
What role does measurement play in psychological assessment according to Cecil R. Reynolds?
Measurement is a central component, and while tests can provide useful data, they must be used appropriately and interpreted correctly.
This indicates that the validity of a test derives from its application and interpretation.
True or False: A test by itself is valid or invalid.
False.
The validity depends on how the test is used and the interpretation of its results.
What is incremental validity in psychological assessment?
The extent to which a specific assessment tool adds useful information beyond what is already known from other measures.
It emphasizes the usefulness of various sources of information in assessing psychological conditions.
What must be considered when using assessment instruments across different cultures?
- Cross-cultural validation
- Avoiding stigmatizing language
- Accurate translation of emotional terms
These considerations ensure that assessments are relevant and appropriate for diverse populations.
Fill in the blank: The assessment of children’s psychological functioning must include the use of _______.
[methodologically sound instruments]
What are some common pitfalls in the interpretation of psychological assessment tools?
- Over-relying on discriminant validity evidence
- Misapplying tests for diagnosing various psychopathologies
These pitfalls can lead to erroneous conclusions about a child’s psychological state.
What are the psychological processes that might be assessed by a child-clinical psychologist?
- Intelligence
- Atypical behavior
- Personality
Understanding these processes is critical for effective assessment and intervention.
What is the main goal of psychological assessment?
To determine the DSM or ICD diagnosis or diagnoses corresponding to the behaviors of the child being assessed.
Where are assessments focused on mental health diagnosis most commonly conducted?
Hospitals and psychiatric clinics.
What is the most persuasive selling point of the recent revisions of the DSM and ICD systems?
Improved and more reliable diagnosis.
What are structured diagnostic interviews typically based on?
The symptoms specified for the disorders.
How are structured diagnostic interviews usually conducted?
With a standard series of questions using exact wording indicated in the protocol.
What is a limitation of most structured interview methods?
They do not reference a normative population.
What is the best-known example of a structured diagnostic interview for child psychopathology?
Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children – IV (DISC-IV).
How long can the complete DISC-IV interview take?
Up to 2 hours.
What is one of the well-known structured interviews designed for a restricted range of problems?
Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS).
True or False: Structured diagnostic interviews have been shown to achieve reliability of diagnosis.
True.
What is a key difference between the K-SADS protocol and the DISC-IV?
K-SADS allows the clinician to select questions; DISC-IV does not.
What is a trade-off when using standard questions in structured interviews?
Eliciting facts vs. expressing emotion.