EDF5563 - Cognitive assessment - 2019

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

Education

Chief examiner(s)

Shane Costello

Coordinator(s)

Shane Costello

Unit guides

Offered

Clayton

  • First semester 2019 (On-campus)

Prerequisites

Successful completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited fourth year sequence in psychology.

Prohibitions

EDF5514Not offered in 2019; EDF5722; EDF5723

Synopsis

The aim of this unit is to develop general professional psychological competencies in the assessment of cognitive abilities and some neuropsychological constructs. Students will undertake advanced exploration and analysis of the psychological testing process, including scholarly consideration and debate of psychometric approaches to cognitive and intellectual assessment across the lifespan. Theories and methods of assessment, and issues of validity and reliability, cultural and ethical considerations, and linguistic factors will be considered. Students will acquire skills in the administration, scoring and interpretation of pertinent psychological tests, integration of assessment data from multiple sources, and appropriate report writing. Students will also develop skills in constructive critical appraisal and clinical judgment in the assessment of learning difficulties, intellectual disability, giftedness, memory, and information processing. Case conceptualisation and intervention planning skills are also developed.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. demonstrate knowledge of cognitive testing
  2. demonstrate knowledge of the impact of psychosocial influences on cognitive performance and cognitive development across the lifespan
  3. demonstrate knowledge of the professional ethical, cultural and psychometric issues that arise when assessing for cognitive abilities across the lifespan
  4. demonstrate skills in administration, scoring, and interpretation of cognitive instruments
  5. demonstrate written and verbal communication skills in reporting the conclusions of cognitive assessments
  6. demonstrate reflective skills regarding the use of cognitive tests in professional practice.

Assessment

Quizzes (1600 words equivalent, 40%)

Client report, video assessment and reflection (2400 words equivalent, 60%)

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload equals 12/144 hours per week/semester comprising:

  1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
    • 2 hour workshop per week
  2. Additional requirements (all students):
    • 10 hours of independent study per week

See also Unit timetable information