The testing procedures and measurement concepts specified provide a check for those whose
training in educational and psychological measurement is limited, or for those who are
unsure about the level of tests for which they qualify. This list represents the minimum
knowledge necessary for the proper and ethical use of tests designated at the "B" or "C"
level in this catalog.
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Test Selection
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You understand how to select the appropriate instrument and how to determine whether
the instrument measures what you need to measure. You know whether the norms are
appropriate for your purpose and for the specific population you wish to test.
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Administration
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You understand the appropriate procedures and conditions for administration
and realize that for some instruments results will be invalidated if precise
procedures and instructions are not followed.
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Context
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You understand how to establish rapport with the examinee and how to create
the appropriate testing climate for your purposes. You also are aware that
results of testing can sometimes be influenced by the physical and interpersonal
context in which testing is conducted.
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Scoring
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You understand how to accurately score the instrument, checking to ensure that all scores are accurate
before reporting them. You also understand the difference between raw scores and
scores derived from them, such as standard scores, preference scores, percentiles,
or grade equivalents.
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Validity & Reliability
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You understand the concepts of reliability and validity
and are able to locate and interpret information relevant to each. You understand
how reliability limits the interpretation of scores and how validity must be interpreted
with reference to a specific application of the instrument.
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Measurement Error
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You understand that no measurement is free of error. Specifically, you know how to
estimate the degree of measurement error in a score through use of the standard
error of measurement.
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Misclassification
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You understand the potential harm resulting from misclassification of an individual
on the basis of test results. You can estimate the probability of a misclassification
and are aware of the need to consider information beyond the scores to determine
the appropriate classification.
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Moderator Variables
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You can estimate the extent to which other variables, such as gender, age,
anxiety level, nationality, or client history, may affect the test results
or comparisons with norm groups.
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Interpretation
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You understand how to properly interpret the instrument, including how to
integrate test results with other information about the examinee.
If computer-generated narratives are used as a basis for interpretation,
you understand the limits of such narratives and retain personal responsibility
for a thorough and accurate interpretation.
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Responsible Testing Practices
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You are willing to accept responsibility for the proper use of instruments
in your organization, including ensuring that only qualified individuals have
access to the instrument, that the item content and scoring procedures are secured,
that the copyright of all materials is honored, and that client confidentiality
is maintained at all times.
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Referral
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You can identify the limits of your competence in testing and make referrals
for administration or interpretation of instruments that exceed those limits.
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Appropriate, ethical use of psychological instruments requires
general knowledge of measurement as well as specific information about
the test you are considering. Formal academic course work in tests and
measurement or other equivalent training provides the necessary foundation
for the proper use of most instruments. Membership in a professional organization
whose code of ethics governs the sound use of educational and psychological instruments
is also desirable.
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With this background, a careful reading of the test manual is then necessary. Specialized knowledge and training are required for purchase of instruments that could be harmful to an individual if misused. For such instruments, graduate-level training
in psychology or a related field is necessary to conduct a proper administration and interpretation.
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