6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL
Postgraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
The unit provides students with a theoretical overview of psychological assessment and measurement using evidence-based approaches. The different approaches to the design and construction of assessment tools are addressed. Test evaluation methods and a review of recent trends in test development theory are addressed. The unit supports students to administer, score and interpret a range of tests and classification tools. The implications of such an approach for evidence-based counselling and psychological interventions are discussed.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:
- explain the theoretical and historical bases of test development
- discuss the appropriate assessment procedures necessary to undertake psychological classification and counselling intake interviews
- demonstrate the basic skills necessary to summarise the findings of assessments in the form of a professional report
- discuss the limitations of assessment tools and how they can be misused
- apply the ethical issues and demonstrate skills related to the administration, interpretation and reporting of test results
- critically assess the place of psychological assessment and measurement in counselling practice
- apply the principles of psychological assessment to obtain data from a number of sources to produce a report
- apply knowledge of the theoretical and empirical basis of evidence-based approaches to counselling and psychological intervention
- evaluate the integration of assessment and intervention.
Fieldwork
10 non-contact hours (clinical supervision)
Assessment
Report on psychological assessment (2000 words, 50%)
Multiple-choice and short answer examination (2 hours, 2000 words, 50%)
Workload requirements
Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:
- Contact hours for on-campus students:
- 2-hr lectures per week for 12 weeks
- two 2-hr practical workshops
- Additional requirements (all students):
- Independent study to make up the required minimum hours during the semester
See also Unit timetable information