Questions
Respond to the following questions in 75 to 100 words, based on your readings for this week.
1. Imagine you are presenting a psychometric test to a client, and the client asks about the reason for the test. How would you explain the purpose of testing and assessment to your client?
Include the historical perspectives regarding the nature and meaning of assessment and testing in counseling, the key steps in the assessment process, and how statistical concepts apply to testing and assessment.
2. When reviewing the competencies required for administering and scoring assessments, which five competencies stand out to you the most? Why are these competencies important?
3. Imagine you are meeting with your supervisor to discuss different interview methods in order to determine the best method for a particular client. Your supervisor wants to know the benefits and drawbacks of using each method with the client, as well as your options for methods of observation.
Explain to your supervisor the differences between structured, unstructured, and semi-structured interviews, and the benefits and drawbacks of using each method with a client in an out-patient community mental health agency. Also explain the role and value of different methods of observation that you would use with this client during assessment.
4. Why are standard scores important? What role do they play in assessment? How are criterion-referenced scores and norm-referenced scores different?
Questions
Respond to the following questions in 75 to 100 words, based on your readings for this week.
1. Imagine you are reviewing a research study on different assessments with interns at your community counseling agency. How would you explain reliability and validity to the interns? How would you explain the different methods of estimating reliability, and the different types of validity?
2. What is a standard error of measurement? What are confidence intervals? What are their roles in testing and assessment?
3. Imagine you are working with interns at your community counseling agency, and you have been asked to assist them with selecting and evaluating assessment instruments. How can you explain the process of selecting and evaluating assessment instruments? How would you outline each step in the process?
4. What role does the counselor play in test administration, scoring, and interpretation? How can this role change?