Deck 1: Psychological Testing and Assessment

Question 1

The term psychometric soundness refers to the

A) the general psychiatric health of an assessee.
B) mental status of an individual during assessment.
C) technical quality of a test or other tool of assessment.
D) competence of a defendant to stand trial.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

In the Chapter 1 Meet an Assessment Professional,Dr.Stephen Finn characterized psychological tests as "empathy magnifiers." By this he meant that

A) test enlarge the "world of psychology" for clients.
B) test data can allow clients to feel less sympathy for themselves.
C) clients will typically be more revealing in writing.
D) tests allow evaluators to "get into their clients' shoes."

Answer 2

D

Question 3

In the Chapter 1 Meet an Assessment Professional,Dr.Stephen Finn described how tools of assessment are selected for use in the process of therapeutic assessment.He said that

A) clients are tested on a standard battery first and then decisions are made.
B) the tools of assessment are selected after an initial session with clients.
C) the selection of tests is made in consultation with the therapist of the clients.
D) only specially developed Center for Therapeutic Assessment tests are used.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

In the Chapter 1 Meet an Assessment Professional,Dr.Stephen Finn cited different tools used in therapeutic assessment.Among those tools specifically listed by him were "performance-based personality tests" such as

A) the MMPI.
B) situational stress tests.
C) the Rorschach.
D) All of these

Question 5

The publication of which psychological test served as a catalyst for the early,international growth of the field of psychological measurement?

A) the Binet Intelligence Test
B) the Rorschach Inkblot Test
C) the OSS assessment battery
D) the Mooney Problem Checklist

Question 6

Today,a group-on-one interview where the interviewee is purposely made to feel uncomfortable (as illustrated in Chapter 1 of your text)

A) would be too unethical to conduct on a regular basis.
B) would be used only in research settings, not job interviews.
C) is only employed by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
D) is exclusively employed by the US Postal Service.

Question 7

In the overview of testing and assessment provided in Chapter 1,examples of the use of different tools of assessment to answer different research questions were provided.What tool of assessment was cited as particularly useful in learning about the reaction of simulated juries to certain types of evidence?

A) tests
B) case history data
C) portfolio assessment
D) behavioral observation

Question 8

As used in your text,psychological assessment may include the use of

A) behavioral observation.
B) testing.
C) the case study.
D) All of these

Question 9

A committee makes a decision that is not as sound as the decision that would have been made had the head of that committee acted alone.How would you characterize this phenomenon?

A) "groupspeak"
B) "central processing error"
C) "groupthink"
D) None of these

Question 10

In the Chapter 1 Meet an Assessment Professional,Dr.Stephen Finn described how a typical therapeutic assessment ends.According to Dr.Finn,therapeutic assessment ends

A) with the termination of the client from therapy.
B) when the client has achieved a "modicum of insight."
C) with a discussion of test scores and "next steps."
D) All of these

Question 11

A case history is also referred to as

A) a case study.
B) a role-play record.
C) a biographical account.
D) None of these

Question 12

Psychological tests share commonalities.For example,they all

A) include an analysis of a sample of behavior.
B) include a naturally occurring behavior.
C) include paper-and-pencil and oral responses.
D) All of these

Question 13

Psychological testing

A) is typically more lengthy than assessment.
B) may be one component of the process of assessment.
C) is characteristically broader in scope than assessment.
D) tends to be less accurate than assessment.

Question 14

A psychological test almost always involves an analysis of:

A) attitude and values.
B) motivation and interests.
C) a sample of behavior.
D) All of these

Question 15

A group-on-one interview wherein the interviewee is purposely made uncomfortable is called a

A) stress interview.
B) role-play interview.
C) naturalistic interview.
D) panel interview.

Question 16

Perhaps the biggest boost to the new assessment enterprise in the United States arose from the need to identify

A) school children who were underachieving in Paris, Texas.
B) competent recruits for the military during World War I.
C) entrepreneurial talent for the Industrial Revolution.
D) apprentice workers in the building and construction industry.

Question 17

In the Chapter 1 Meet an Assessment Professional,Dr.Stephen Finn characterized clients as

A) "co-experimenters."
B) "co-therapists."
C) "co-assessment professionals."
D) All of these

Question 18

Psychological tests may differ with respect to

A) content.
B) format.
C) administration.
D) All of these

Question 19

As used by your textbook authors,the term psychological assessment applies to

A) clinical settings only.
B) self-administered tests only.
C) employment, clinical, and educational settings only.
D) the use of tests and other tools of evaluation.

Question 20

The loss of cognitive functioning that occurs as the result of damage or loss of brain cells is called

A) a psychological autopsy.
B) pseudodementia.
C) catastrophic.
D) None of these

Question 21

A panel interview is an interview in which

A) more than one interviewee is interviewed by a single interviewer.
B) a video camera and microphone have been placed in a wall panel.
C) an interpreter assists in the interview process.
D) more than one interviewer interviews the interviewee.

Question 22

What name is BEST associated with therapeutic assessment?

A) Alfred Binet
B) Oscar Krisen Buros
C) Victoria Husted Medvec
D) Stephen Finn

Question 23

Role play may be preferable to naturalistic observation as a tool of measurement in situations in which

A) the assessor may only conduct evaluations on campus.
B) judges are readily available to score role play responses.
C) the costs of naturalistic observation would be prohibitive.
D) assessees have taken advanced coursework in acting or drama.

Question 24

Psychometrics may BEST be defined as

A) the science of test development.
B) the science of psychological measurement.
C) the study and use of correlational techniques.
D) the study of psychic phenomena.

Question 25

A researcher is using a series of psychological tests to explore levels of perceived stress and loneliness in a retirement home for airline professionals.This research could best be described as a

A) behavioral observation study.
B) case study.
C) quality of life study.
D) senior pilot study.

Question 26

Examples of a wide array of tools of assessment are presented in your text.Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential tool of psychological assessment?

A) a computer
B) a DVD
C) a smart phone
D) an interview

Question 27

As used in your text,test can refer to:

A) a paper-and-pencil examination.
B) a task.
C) an interview with a client.
D) All of these

Question 28

The term psychometrics

A) was derived from the Latin for "to confuse and befuddle."
B) is used to refer collectively to test catalogues, manuals, and reports.
C) may be defined as the science of psychological measurement.
D) All of these

Question 29

As used with reference to psychological tests,format refers to

A) the arrangement of test items.
B) whether it can be administered by computer.
C) the procedures used to obtain data.
D) All of these

Question 30

According to the American Psychological Association (APA),about how many tests are developed each year?

A) 1,000
B) 15,000
C) 20,000
D) 95,000

Question 31

Dynamic assessment

A) is used to describe the unconscious mechanisms that affect consumer spending.
B) can provide information about an assessee's ability to profit from intervention.
C) is no longer permitted if there is a third-party present during the consultation.
D) can be used as an alternative to dream analysis with patients who report no dreams.

Question 32

A test is described as "paper-and-pencil." This is a reference to

A) the tools needed for the evaluation.
B) a blueprint for the assessment procedure.
C) the format of the test.
D) the test's item content.

Question 33

Which is an example of biofeedback instrumentation that can be used as a tool of psychological assessment?

A) the neurodevelopment training ball
B) the adjustable light beam apparatus
C) the tilting room/tilting chair device
D) the penile plethysmograph

Question 34

Testing is to assessment as _____________ is to ________________.

A) blood test; physical exam
B) blood test; X-ray
C) mechanic; automobile
D) selection; placement

Question 35

Applying research on cut scores to how Olympic athletes may feel about their accomplishments at the conclusion of an Olympic event,it may be assumed that

A) silver medalists are happier than gold medalists.
B) bronze medalists are happier than silver medalists.
C) bronze medalists are happier than gold medalists.
D) fifth-place finishers are happiest of all

Question 36

The United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS)used an approach to personnel evaluation that today would be characterized as

A) psychological testing.
B) collaborative psychological assessment.
C) dynamic psychological assessment.
D) an "assessment center" approach.

Question 37

When it comes to the difference between the terms psychological testing and psychological assessment,

A) ultimately, there is no difference between them.
B) the difference is clear and needs to be acknowledged
C) some ambiguity with regard to the difference persists
D) "psychological testing" subsumes "psychological assessment"

Question 38

A key difference between psychological testing and psychological assessment has to do with:

A) the role of the test user in interpreting the results.
B) the number of hours it takes to proctor a test session.
C) whether or not the evaluation includes an oral test.
D) the utility of the test in a cost versus benefit analysis.

Question 39

A psychologist plans to study posture-related aspects of the mating behavior of mosquitoes in a Minnesota swamp.Which tool of assessment is this researcher MOST likely to employ?

A) naturalistic observation
B) alternate assessment
C) portfolio measurement
D) the Minnesota Mosquito Mating Posture Inventory (MMMPI)

Question 40

An individual being evaluated for employment as a police officer is asked to put himself in the place of an arresting officer who has just been threatened by a suspect.This sort of evaluation is BEST described as

A) role play.
B) portfolio analysis.
C) case history.
D) behavioral observation.

Question 41

Panel interviews are used sparingly due to issues of

A) reliability.
B) validity.
C) psychometric soundness.
D) utility.

Question 42

Which of the following is an example of role play used to assess the social skills of an elementary school student?

A) observing a student on the playground interacting with peers
B) observing a student, in response to the group therapist's request, asking another group member to join a simulated game
C) observing a student in the classroom, in response to a teacher's question, responding to the question in a joking manner
D) observing a student in the playground hustling other students out of their lunch money by hosting a 3-card-monte game.

Question 43

Biofeedback equipment has been used in psychological measurement to assess

A) changes in blood level flowing to the brain.
B) changes in muscular tension.
C) changes in pancreatic secretions.
D) All of these

Question 44

Two tests purporting to measure personality may

A) contain entirely different kinds of items.
B) differ in terms of demands on the test-taker.
C) be based on entirely different definitions of "personality."
D) All of these

Question 45

A case study may include

A) data from past psychological evaluations.
B) family photographs and memorabilia.
C) records of videotape rentals.
D) All of these

Question 46

An advantage of using a panel interview format is that

A) the effects of the biases of individual interviewers are minimized.
B) panel interviews generally take less time to complete.
C) panel interviews tend to reduce the possibility of repetition of questions
D) the interviewer is encouraged to evaluate the interviewee holistically.

Question 47

If there is common ground among of all of the varied approaches to psychological testing and assessment,that common ground MOST has to do with the assessor's

A) use of a widely accepted intelligence test to measure intelligence.
B) reliance on widely accepted psychoanalytically-based principles.
C) strict adherence to ethical guidelines.
D) All of these

Question 48

A clinician administers a computerized psychological test in her own office.Minutes after the examinee has completed the test,the same computer used to administer the test now spews out a report of the findings from that test.This is an example of

A) local processing.
B) central processing.
C) teleprocessing.
D) None of these

Question 49

Which of the following is TRUE of behavioral observation as a tool of assessment?

A) it is accomplished through live or video observation
B) it is typically time-intensive
C) it can yield qualitative as well as quantitative data
D) All of these

Question 50

The Adjustable Light Beam Apparatus (ALBA)

A) is used to adjust illumination levels in light research.
B) is used to assess reactivity to light.
C) is used to measure body-image distortion.
D) was originally created to monitor Jessica Alba's mood states.

Question 51

In which setting is behavioral observation as a tool of psychological assessment LEAST likely to be employed regularly and systematically?

A) school and related educational settings
B) hospital and clinic settings
C) private practice settings
D) institutional and organizational settings

Question 52

Observation of behavior in the setting in which the behavior typically occurs is referred to as

A) functional observation.
B) naturalistic observation.
C) temporal observation.
D) peeping tomism.

Question 53

An interpretive report of psychological testing contains information relevant not only to the test-taker's test scores,but recommendations for changes in the dosage of the medication the test-taker is currently prescribed.This interpretive report is more specifically referred to as:

A) a medication report.
B) a descriptive report.
C) an integrative report.
D) an extended scoring report.

Question 54

A psychological interview requires:

A) a face-to-face talk.
B) direct, reciprocal communication.
C) the assessment of nonverbal behavior.
D) meaningful eye contact

Question 55

A psychologist is preparing a journal article which reviews the high school progress of a student first referred for evaluation in middle school.This article could BEST be characterized as a

A) portfolio evaluation.
B) case study.
C) behavioral observation study
D) psychometric review.

Question 56

As a tool of assessment,the interview has been characterized as "a reciprocal affair." What this means is that

A) there is reciprocity between all 50 states in terms of allowing interview-related testimony into evidence.
B) the interviewee reacts to the interviewer, and the interviewer reacts to the interviewee.
C) if Interviewer A is invited to view Interviewer B's interview, then Interviewer A is socially obliged to invite Interviewer B to observe Interview A interview
D) "what is good for the goose, is good for the gander."

Question 57

As compared to one-on-one and face-to-face assessments,a disadvantage of CAPA is that it typically deprives the assessor of the opportunity to

A) make certain that test forms are kept secure.
B) observe the testtaker's test-taking behavior.
C) conduct a post-test interview with the testtaker
D) tailor the test's content to the responses.

Question 58

Using CAPA,test users have the capability of has the capability of

A) creating virtual reality useful in role-play evaluations.
B) making quick and efficient score comparisons.
C) tailoring a test administration to testtaker's responses.
D) All of these

Question 59

Groupthink is best defined as the tendency to

A) favor members of one's own group over that of members of another group
B) let others make decisions for the dominant person when in groups.
C) think of groups as possessing a personality, much like that of an individual.
D) make poor decisions when in collective decision-making situations.

Question 60

A panel interview is a tool of assessment that is MOST likely to be employed by

A) clinical psychologists.
B) educators.
C) human resource professionals.
D) entry-level neuropsychologists.

Question 61

Engineering psychologists use psychological tests as an aid in the process of

A) designing products that can be used with optimal safety and efficiency.
B) predicting public receptivity to new products and services.
C) selecting the most qualified employees for positions.
D) All of these

Question 62

Which type of psychologist designs effective and efficient products and environments for the home and workplace?

A) an engineering psychologist
B) a consumer psychologist
C) a computer psychologist
D) a clinical psychologist

Question 63

In personnel assessment,psychological tests are used primarily for the benefit of the

A) employee.
B) employer.
C) examiner.
D) consumer.

Question 64

Based on the discussion in your textbook,which Who? question with regard to the assessment enterprise is LEAST controversial?

A) Who is a test user?
B) Who is a testtaker?
C) Who should be allowed in the room during an assessment?
D) Who should be on a salt-free diet in a taste-test study?

Question 65

As distinguished from other settings,psychological tests are used in counseling settings to

A) obtain an estimate of occupational aptitude.
B) assess work productivity.
C) assist assessees with life choices.
D) assist assessors with differential diagnosis.

Question 66

Video cameras and one-way mirrors in a room where assessment is taking place will typically prompt assessees to

A) be more concerned about their appearance than the task at hand.
B) wonder about who might have responsibility for the evaluation.
C) respond as if there is a third party present for the evaluation.
D) believe that they are part of a reality shown rather than an evaluation.

Question 67

By federal law,which of the following types of tests may NOT be used in schools?

A) tests of intelligence
B) tests of achievement
C) minimal competency examinations
D) All of these may be used in schools.

Question 68

In the context of psychological testing and assessment,social facilitation refers to the presence of a third party and its effect

A) as a social influence process.
B) in facilitating an assessee's responses.
C) in inhibiting an assessee's responses.
D) All of these

Question 69

As listed in your textbook,all of the following are parties to the assessment enterprise EXCEPT:

A) society at large.
B) the test developer.
C) the test user.
D) consumer advocates.

Question 70

Of the following parties to the assessment enterprise,which group would be LEAST likely to have read the Standards?

A) test developers
B) test users
C) testtakers
D) test publishers

Question 71

The ABAP Diplomate is conferred to recognize

A) expertise in the field of psychological testing and assessment.
B) the development of tests that further the cause of world peace.
C) nongovernmental, naturalistic observation that is ecofriendly.
D) singular psychometric contributions to psychological science.

Question 72

Which of the following is the best way to establish rapport with a testtaker?

A) a few words of "small talk" on meeting
B) presenting the testtaker with a business card
C) hugging the testtaker on arrival to the facility
D) having a DVD of Jerry Springer Unscensored playing in the waiting area as an "ice-breaker."

Question 73

A student taking a course entitled "Ancient History" is administered a history test.Years later,data from this test is reviewed by assessment professionals who are preparing a case study on the testtaker.In their report,the "Ancient History" test is referred to as

A) a school ability test.
B) a school aptitude test.
C) a school achievement test.
D) ancient history.

Question 74

A test is set into large type for a visually impaired testtaker.This is an example of

A) a physical environment modification.
B) an interpersonal environment modification.
C) a compromise.
D) an accommodation.

Question 75

In everyday practice,responsibility for appropriate test administration,scoring,and interpretation lies with:

A) test users.
B) test developers.
C) elected representatives.
D) test publishers.

Question 76

When a third-party observer is present while a psychological assessment is being conducted,it is good practice to:

A) acquaint the observer with all of the test administration materials.
B) include in the assessment report mention of the third party observer.
C) ask the assessee to respond as if the observer is not really there.
D) arrange a catered, vegetarian luncheon for the observer.

Question 77

A psychological autopsy typically includes which of the following?

A) a postmortem interview with the assessee
B) a review of archival records.
C) an interview with the coroner.
D) All of these

Question 78

If an accommodation is made for the purpose of administering a test,then

A) the meaning of the test scores may not be clear.
B) a notation should be made on the test report.
C) a need for alternate assessment clearly existed.
D) All of these

Question 79

The ABAP Diplomate

A) exemplifies the extent to which the government regulates testing.
B) is a symbol of recognition of accomplishment by a private organization.
C) entitles a psychologist to be able to administer any psychological test in any state.
D) travels from country to country as a representative of the testing industry.

Question 80

Testtakers differ in their approach to an assessment situation to the extent that they

A) have received prior coaching.
B) view themselves as competent or incompetent.
C) experience stress and discomfort.
D) All of these