PSY3042

Psychological testing, theories of ability and ethics

Dr Graeme Hyman, Dr Kristina Macrae, Mr Gordon Walker

6 points - Second semester - One 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour laboratory per week - Distance education students must complete a minimum of 12 hours on-campus weekend school laboratory work - Caulfield, Clayton, Gippsland, Peninsula and distance - Prerequisites: PSY2011 and PSY2022

Objectives On completion of this subject students will understand the principles and processes of test (including scale) development and have a broad appreciation of some of the more popular standardised psychological test. They will also have an understanding of the different theories and the various factors which influence our conceptions of abilities and have a knowledge of some of the known causes and issues involved in our understanding of intellectual disability. Finally, students will have a knowledge of the ethical, legal and professional responsibilities of psychologists, and areas of potential conflict between ethical and legal demands.

Synopsis This subject introduces the principles and processes of test and scale development, along with the basic concepts of reliability and validity. Descriptions of the more popular standardised psychology tests will also be provided. Students will be introduced to the different theories of ability and will be provided with information on how our thinking about human abilities is influenced by our cultural framework. Other major themes include a knowledge of the results of different methods for establishing the relative influence of heredity and the environment on human intelligence, a knowledge of some of the known causes of intellectual disability, and an appreciation of social and ethical issues involved in identifying and treating disability Finally, students will be provide with a broad knowledge of the ethical, legal and professional responsibilities of psychologists.

Assessment One 3-hour examination: 50% - One laboratory report (2000 words): 25% - One 1500-word essay: 15% - One class presentation: 10%

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