The Cardinals of Psychological Testing

Psychological testing is defined as the meticulous administration of standardized tests to accurately measure a sample behavior. This essential human component simply refers to a specific performance on a prescribed task or undertaking. Oftentimes, the most common method used for a sample behavior is  the paper and pencil test and a series of item test. Likewise, each performance test is composed of an overall test score which somehow reflects a psychological construct in relation to an achievement whether in school, aptitude, cognitive ability emotional functioning and other areas of personality development.

Psychological tests are instruments which have been specially designed to act measurements of unobserved constructs in the form of questionnaires which ask for a typical performance. Based on the principles of psychometrics, a given psychological test must possess VALIDITY. To explain briefly, it needs an evidence to anchor or prove the specified results of those tests. In the same way, a psychological test has to be RELIABLE. Reliability denotes to a consistency of test results across all raters factors involved.

After these tests had been given, a comprehensive psychological assessment is the next step to do by a licensed Psychometrician. It is a process of integration checking of information from numerous sources. One of its classic examples is the test of abnormal and normal personalities. Attitudes and interests are measured as well to gain a more credible interpretation of a person’s particular personality makeup. Most importantly, the assessment procedures determine a particular disability in a school setting. In doing so, the proper mode of treatment can be applied. Where did this scientific method originate? Read on.

Historical Background

The humble beginnings of large scale tests originated in China because of a law which required the implementation of imperial examinations. Assessments on those days were based on the proficiency of examinees concerning civil law and fiscal policies. Did you know that intelligence tests were used for entertainment rather than for analysis purposes? Perhaps, this funny and intriguing reality paved the way for the trendsetting evolution of psychological testing across the globe.

Mental or cognitive assessments were initiated in France during the 19th century. Consequently, it was able to put a dividing line between mental retardation and mental illness. However, the discovery of Francis Galton of Psychometrics had developed an innovative way to measure human intelligence by using the NON-VERBAL SENSORY MOTOR TEST.  Unfortunately, this methodology became obsolete after it was significantly found out that it failed to establish the relationship to college grades.

Alfred Binet and his equally brilliant contemporaries, Victor Henri and Theodore Simon came up with the Binet - Simon test in 1905, after 15 years of painstaking development. This kind of test is focused on verbal abilities and the identification of mental retardation among children. 

Personality testing had begun in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, when it was assessed through phenology. The latter is the method of measuring a human skull. Physiognomy is also another technique of personality assessment which gauges a person’s persona through physical appearances.

Modern empirical methods were given an avenue in psychological testing when a more concise and standardized personality was devised. This was alluded to as Woolworth Personality Data Sheet. It is a self-report inventory developed for World I draftees who were subjected to a psychological screening.

Principles

The accuracy and effectiveness of psychological testing are governed by these time-tested principles namely Standardization, objectivity, reliability, validity and the presence of test norms.  Standardization is generally described as consistent under the same atmosphere to attain the same testing performance from the subjects. The characteristic of being objective eradicates biases when the test results for each subject is being taken in the same manner. What is reliability? Reliability is to obtain the same test results after several tests.  A VALID psychological test is equipped with the ability to measure what has to be measured.

These sets of principles should be included in today’s modern and easy to use psychological testing instruments. CENTILE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS takes pride in selling different psychological tests for your specific needs. Educational, career, clinical and forensic areas of specialization. Our testing packages are perfectly adapted in accordance with our targeted clientele. Single or corporate entities are gladly welcome to try our affordable testing instruments. We can provide reliable and accurate assessments without a fuss.

Feel free to get in touch with us today for your PSYCHOLOGICAL TEST DISTRIBUTORSHIP and PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING SERVICES. Huge discounts and freebies are given for every test purchase. 

For inquiries, call these easy to contact numbers: (02) 666-o6-89 or (02) 733-84-10. You can send us an email at centile_psych@yahoo.com.