Undergraduate - UnitAZA4480 - Psychological testing and assessment

The unit aims to expand students' conceptual understanding of the
principles and methods of psychological assessment. This includes the
notions of reliability and validity and contemporary methods used to
evaluate psychometric properties of instruments. Instruments for assessing
abilities and personality in various contexts, e.g., clinical, counselling,
neuropsychological, educational and organizational will be reviewed and
core practical skills in implementing these instruments and interpreting
results will be acquired.

Psychological testing and assessment in a multicultural and multilingual
societal context will be a core theme which will be addressed with reference
to the global and the South African context. Themes of cultural sensitivity,
fairness and bias will form an integral part of the academic discourse.
Competencies in interpreting and reporting psychological assessment
results and report writing skills will be developed through practical
assignments and case studies. An integrated approach to assessment,
incorporating psychometric and qualitative measures and techniques will fall
into the focus of the seminars and lectures.

Ethical principles, procedures and considerations in the implementation of
psychological assessment and use of results will be analysed and debated
against the backdrop of the historical heritage and contemporary
advancements in the ethical regulations of the psychology profession in
South Africa and other developing and developed countries.