6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
South Africa School of Social Science
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Notes
The unit may be offered as part of the Summer Arts ProgramSummer Arts Program (http://www.monash.edu/students/courses/arts/summer-program.html).
Synopsis
The unit explores some widely used standardised psychology tests including South African tests. It gives an overview of the principles and processes of test development and the concepts of test reliability and validity. Major themes include methods for establishing the relative influence of heredity and environment on human intelligence, causes of intellectual disability, and intervention programs for disadvantaged and disabled children. The unit also covers theories of ability and how our thinking about human abilities is influenced by our cultural framework. A basic knowledge of the ethical, legal and professional responsibilities of psychologists is provided.
Outcomes
On completion of the unit the students will be able to:
- Describe the origins and social context in which psychometric testing developed.
- Discuss the principles of reliability, validity and item analysis.
- Construct and administer psychometric tests.
- Critically evaluate the psychometric properties of psychological tests.
- Interpret test scores.
- Identify diverse applications of psychological testing.
- Relate the relevant theories of intelligence.
- Appraise genetic and environmental factors which influence human intelligence.
- Analyse some causes of intellectual disability.
- Discuss group differences in the testing process.
- Describe the social implications of psychological testing.
- Express the key ethical principles and identify potential ethical dilemmas regarding psychological assessment and suggest possible solutions.
Assessment
Within semester assessment: 50% + Exam: 50%
Workload requirements
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
See also Unit timetable information