EDF5722 - Cognitive, personality and educational assessment - 2019

This unit presents a psychometric approach to the identification of individual differences in cognition and personality, and adjustment across the lifespan at an advanced level. Students critically debate and review contemporary research and theories of abilities, personality and psychopathology as well as ethical, cultural, and professional issues. They gain experience in administering and reporting a range of essential psycho-educational assessment instruments, assessing abilities, personality and adjustment of children from pre-school age to adults in old age. They develop skills in report writing, planning intervention and self-reflection on the processes and professional relationships involved in psychological testing, all developed in a context of peer review and support.

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

1. demonstrate understanding of the fundamental basics of psychological test construction, reliability and validity
2. demonstrate a critical appreciation of the current research literature on psychological testing and construct validation
3. demonstrate knowledge of the professional ethical, cultural and psychometric issues that arise when assessing and reporting on the intellectual and academic abilities, personality and psychopathology of individuals across the lifespan
4. demonstrate the ability to select appropriate means of assessment for individuals of different ages and deficits or strengths
5. demonstrate advanced skills in administration and scoring of intelligence tests, psychopathology and personality instruments, behavioural checklists and tests of academic attainment suitable for use with individuals and groups across the lifespan, including the administration and scoring of tests for individuals with sensory and neurological deficits
6. demonstrate skill in accurate, clear and constructive file keeping on sessions with clients and accuracy, clarity, appropriateness and constructive communication in reporting the conclusions of testing in written reports for various purposes such as ascertainment for eligibility of funding, curriculum adjustment or clinical programming
7. reflect on their personal role, interpersonal skills, impact, responsibilities and relationships as a clinician reporting psycho-educational assessments and recommendations.

Online quizzes (2500 words equivalent, 30%)

Folio: Personality and cognitive testing (2800 words equivalent, 35%)

Psycho-educational report (2800 words equivalent, 35%)

Minimum total expected workload equals 24 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 3 contact hours per week
2. Additional requirements
   • independent study to make up the minimum required hours per week

See also Unit timetable information