Psychological Testing and Appraisal
Counseling 555
Instructor:
Location and Time:
Judith L. Cain-Oliver, PsyD.
249 Hull
8:00-10:50
Office:
Office Hours:
Contact:
249 Hull
11:00-12:00 T &Th
(804) 598-9577 (Office)
(804) 598-7172 (Home)
(434) 395-2324 (Campus)
jlcoliver@aol.com
Course Text:
Whiston, Susan. (2000). Principles and applications of assessment in counseling. Belmont
California: Brooks/Cole.
Course Description:
This is an intensive three-week course that examines the use of various assessment methods by
counselors and other helping professionals. This course includes some theory and research,
though the focus is on the practical application of a variety of assessment measures. The
instructional methods of the class will include, lecture, demonstration, small group discussion,
individual assessment and student presentations.
Course Objectives:
The following objects are related to the learning outcomes for this course. After attending class,
reading the text, reviewing handouts, participating and completing class assignments, it is
expected that each student will be able to:
1. Discuss the significant history of assessment procedures.
2. Discuss the theoretical framework on which various assessment instruments are based.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic statistical concepts used in scoring and
interpreting test results.
4. Explain the concepts of validity and reliability and describe their relevance to test
construction, selection, and use of assessment measures.
5. Describe the purpose, strengths, weaknesses, and appropriate uses of a variety of
assessment instruments.
6. Discuss the legal and ethical issues associated with testing and assessment.
7. Discuss the potential issues and problems of assessing special populations.
8. Locate and critically review test materials and assessment information.
9. Demonstrate an ability to administer and score selected tests and then to assimilate test
information in order to provide feedback about the results.
10. Develop critical thinking skills with regard to assessment issues.
Course Requirements:
1. Students are expected to attend class each day prepared to discuss the assigned material.
Students are also expected to complete all class assignments in a timely manner.
Participation is worth 50 points.
2. There will be one test during the course of this class. The evaluations will be based on
information from the text, lectures and class activities. The tests will consist of both
essay and objective (multiple choice, true/false, and fill in the blank) questions. The test
is worth 100 points.
3. Each student will complete a review of a test. The assignment involves reading and
summarizing information found in the most recent edition of the Mental Measurements
Yearbook, located in the reference room of the library. A typed report is to be submitted
in addition to a short presentation of the information to the class. The test review is
worth 50 points.
4. Each student will complete an assessment project. This project will entail administering
and scoring selected assessment measures and then submitting a written summary of the
results. The assessment and scoring of the tests are worth 50 points. The written
summary is worth 100 points.
5. Each student will present a review of an article found in a professional journal on a topic
relevant to class discussion. The journal article review is worth 50 points.
Course Evaluation:
In determining your final grade the following criteria will be used:
Class participation
Test I
Test Review
Assessment Project
Journal Article
Total
Note: All assignments are to be typed.
50
100
50
150
50
400
Assignments will be given points based upon the accuracy and thoroughness of the information
presented. It is the student’s responsibility to turn in assignments for grading in a timely manner.
Projects can be turned in before the due date. Points will be deducted for late assignments.
Only students with a documented absence (i.e. doctor’s note, court summons) will be allowed to
make-up tests and turn in assignments late without a penalty. The make-up work time period is
within two class sessions.
Assignments are expected to be free from grammatical errors and misspelled words. Points will
be deducted for multiple errors within one assignment.
The current Longwood Honor System governs all work in this class for Graduate Programs.
Students are expected to pledge the authenticity of all work submitted for this course. Charges
will be brought against all students who violate this policy.
Regular class attendance is expected. Since this is a lecture and interactive class, you may miss
important information if you are absent. When absence from class is necessary, it is the
responsibility of the student to contact the instructor, outside of regular class time, about work
missed through absence.
Class Schedule:
July 18
Class Introduction and Overview
Chapter 1 – Assessment in Counseling
Chapter 2 – Basic Assessment Principles
July 19
Chapter 3 – Reliability
Chapter 4 – Validity and Item Analysis
July 20
Chapter 5 – Instrument Selection, Administration, and Scoring
Chapter 6 – Initial Assessment in Counseling
July 21
Chapter 7 – Intelligence and General Ability Testing
Skills of Observation
July 22
Mock Administration of Intelligence Test
Chapter 8 – Achievement Testing
July 25
Chapter 10 – Appraisal of Personality
Journal Article Due
July 26
Chapter 9 – Assessment in Career Counseling
July 27
Chapter 11 – Assessment in Marriage and Family Counseling
Review for Test
July 28
Midterm Test
Chapter 12 – Using Assessment and Diagnosis
Report Writing
August 1
Work on Individual Projects
August 2
Chapter 14 – Issues Related Assessment with Special Populations
Test Review Due
August 3
Communicating Test Results
Alternative Methods of Assessment
August 4
Chapter 15 – Ethical and Legal Issues in Assessment
Case Examples
Chapter 16 – Technological Applications and Future Trends
August 5
Assessment Project Due