The need to conduct a psychological assessment may sometimes arise. During psychological assessment, a subject’s thoughts and feelings are evaluated. This is referred to as objective testing . It is conducted with ultimate objectivity such that the administrators biases do not influence the subjects responses. Psychological testing is conducted by means of different methods, one of which is interviewing. The subject is interviewed on past personal experiences (Kaplan & Saccuzzo, 2013). The information collected is used to compile a subjective report. When evaluating prisoners for parole, for instance, subjective interviewing may not be appropriate since the point of view of the interviewing panel and that of the prisoners differ, and this may have a negative effect on the interviews effectiveness (Domino & Domino, 2006). Objective testing is likely to produce results that are reliable when it comes to decision making . Battery testing is an example of an objective testing approach that is free from the administrators own bias.
Prisoners are subjected to subjective interviewing in order to determine whether they are eligible for parole. This technique has shown to be efficient. Its accuracy has been questions as regards to deserving inmates being denied parole. Battery testing has shown to be more accurate and is recommended due to its objectivity (Domino & Domino, 2006). This way positive behavioral change can be recognized and the extent to which it has occurred can be precisely determined. On this basis, deserving inmates are correctly identified and granted parole. It also ensures that parole is not granted to prisoners whose evaluation results show a possibility of further criminal activity when freed.
Another form of psychological evaluation is intelligence tests (Rawat, 2006). These tests determine the mental ability of the subject under evaluation, and from the results, the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is determined. The intelligence tests are useful in the determination of a person’s intellectual ability, special needs requirements, social skills and general performance (Kaplan & Saccuzzo, 2013). Normal individuals have an IQ that lies anywhere between 70 and 130 . A persons IQ is influenced by factors such as genes, morbidity, parental IQ and social status. Individuals with an IQ that is below the normal range are associated with poor mental acuity, inability to cope and below average social skills.
Intelligence tests are used in establishing the mental state of a person during retardation diagnosis. Their accuracy is crucial as it enables the identification of the interventions that should be put in place for management of the disorder (Rawat, 2006). Academic Achievement Tests quantify the progress that a learner has made in a learning process. These are regulated according to a set of common standards . They are also conducted depending on the level of education and the region in which they are to be conducted (Kaplan & Saccuzzo, 2013). They are crucial in self-realization and setting of goals and knowing what options are available for an individual. The Test of Academic Achievement and Skills, Norris Educational Test and Diagnostic Battery are examples of such tests. This test allows the administrators come up with data that can be used in the improvement of the learning process.
Lastly, there are the Vocational Interest Tests. These tests use information on the interests, likes and dislike s of a person to recommend the career that is most suited for them (Domino & Domino, 2006). They especially assist young adults and teenagers who are not sure exactly what they want to pursue in life . They could also help people who are in wrong fields make appropriate changes depending on their abilities and interests (Kaplan & Saccuzzo, 2013). It allows individuals join careers that are fulfilling and in which they will exhibit optimum performance. Psychological tests ensure that we maintain optimum mental health and those individuals with disorders are discovered and assisted.
References
Kaplan, R. M., & Saccuzzo, D. P. (2013). Psychological testing: Principles, applications, & issues. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Domino, G., & Domino, M. L. (2006). Psychological testing: An introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Rawat, N. C. (2006). Psychological Assessment. MD Pub Pvt Ltd.
