PSY 437--Psychological Testing
Fall 2014
Dr. Michael Mann
I.
COURSE TITLE: Psychological Testing (3 semester hours)
II.
PREREQUISITES: PSY 201, PSY 301 and junior standing
III.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: “Consideration is given to the construction, administration, and interpretation of
individual and group tests of mental ability, and to special aptitude tests, interest measures, and personality tests as
used in industry and psychological clinics” (p. 294, Mississippi College Undergraduate Catalog ,2002-03).
IV.
RATIONALE: This course seeks to expose the student to the theory and practice of psychological assessment.
The course covers issues ranging from statistical considerations to test construction, administration, interpretation
to evaluation of assessments. In addition, a number of common tests often utilized by psychologists and
counselors will be introduced.
V.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: The student will be able to:
VI.
A.
to become proficient in the basic terminology and concepts involved in psychological assessment, including
basic statistics for describing scores, norms for interpreting scores, and psychometric properties of
assessments such as reliability and validity
B.
to develop an understanding of the variety of testing instruments and methods in current use
C.
to understand the role of psychological testing in basic psychology and applied psychology.
D.
to understand the uses and misuses of psychological testing
E.
to add sophistication to your understanding of and participation in the research process
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: “Mississippi College students are expected to be scrupulously honest. Dishonesty,
such as cheating or plagiarism . . . will be regarded as a serious offense subject to severe penalty, including, but
not limited to, loss of credit and possible dismissal” (p. 56, Mississippi College Undergraduate Catalog, 20032004). Further information on university policy on dishonest behavior can be found at the Office of Student
Affairs and on the MC website.
Plagiarism
“No student shall submit as his or her own work any term paper, research paper, thesis or other academic
assignment of original work in that in any part is not if in fact his/her own work. Knowingly using the ideas of
another person and offering them as one’s own original ideas is prohibited by this policy to the same extent as
knowingly using the words of another writer and offering them as one’s own original writing” (University Policy
2.19, Mississippi College: Policies and Procedures).
VII.
COURSE TOPICS:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.
N.
Norms and basic statistics for testing
Correlation and regression
Reliability
Validity
Writing and evaluating test items
Theories of intelligence
Wechsler intelligence scales
Applications in clinical and counseling settings
Projective personality tests
Testing in counseling psychology
Testing in industrial and business settings
Test bias
Testing in forensic settings
Ethics and the future of psychological testing
VIII.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS: Instructional methods for this course may include:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G..
H.
I.
interactive lecture
discussion
daily assignments
course assignments
case studies
in-class assignments
small group work
computer exercises
guest speakers
IX.
REQUIRED PRACTICES: Required practices in this course include reading, research and writing skills,
computer skills and group work.
X.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Required texts include the following:
Kaplan, R.M. and Saccuzzo, D. P. (2005). Psychological testing: Principles, applications, and issues (8th ed.)
Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.
Occasionally journal articles may be assigned. These will be on reserve at the library or handed out in class.
XI.
EVALUATION PROCEDURES:
Objectives will be assessed through multiple means—attendance and class participation, satisfactory completion
of daily assignments and periodic course assignments, and examinations.
Specific course requirements include the following:
A.
attend class and participate in class discussions
B.
complete all reading assignments (readings should be completed prior to their due date since they
will form the basis of classroom discussions).
C.
complete any daily assignments
D.
satisfactorily complete course assignments*
E.
pass three examinations satisfactorily
*Additional information will be given later on the course assignments.
Grades will be given based on student attendance and participation in class, on daily assignments, on course
assignments and on examinations.
Grades will be determined in the following manner:
Attendance and participation (see point value below)
Course assignments (due in two portfolios)
First examination
Second examination
Third examination
Grading scale:
250-225 points
224-200 points
199-175 points
174-150 points
149 and below
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=
=
=
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A
B
C
D
F
100 points
50 points
50 points
50 points
Total # of points 250 points
(90%)
(80%)
(70%)
(60%)
(below 60%)
Attendance policy: Points will be added or subtracted to your OVERALL grade based on the following attendance
practice—
One or less absence
Two absences
Three absences
Four absences
Five absences
Six absences
Seven absences
Eight absences
XII.
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=
=
=
=
=
=
+3
+2
+1
-1
-2
-3
-4
F (College policy)
OTHER COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
A.
ATTENDANCE: Class attendance is an essential part of college education and students are expected to attend regularly
and punctually. Individuals learn through active participation and involvement. There will be experiential components of
this course. Cumulative absences will result in a lowered grade or loss of credit for the course.
The school policy will be followed concerning absences (“ . . . a student will receive an F in a class immediately when
absences whether excused or unexcused [including university functions], exceed 25% of the class meetings (p. 53,
Mississippi College Undergraduate Catalog, 2003-2004).
Tardies will not be excused. In this class, two (2) tardies will be considered equal to one absence. A student who is more
than 15 minutes late will be considered absent for the class.
B.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS: All assigned papers will be due at the beginning of the class. Ten percent (10%) of the possible
grade will be deducted for each day that the assignment is late. Emailed assignments will only be accepted based on prior
arrangements with the instructor.
C.
MAKE-UP EXAMINATIONS: Make-up examinations are strongly discouraged. Make-up tests will only be given if a
student has an excused absence (a written excuse must be provided). Make-up tests will be given on the last class before
the final and may be essay in format.
D.
MISSING CLASS: If the student must miss class, please consult with a fellow student before asking the instructor
regarding missed assignments, handouts, etc.
E.
CELL PHONES: Cell phones should be turned off during class. Disregard for this request may affect your grade. Any
student caught texting in class will be deducted 5 points from their overall course grade.
F.
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION POLICY: No food or drink is allowed in the classroom.
G.
FLEXIBILITY CLAUSE: The aforementioned requirements, assignments, policies, evaluation procedures, etc. are subject
to change. Students’ experiences and needs, as well as emerging knowledge, will be considered in modifying this course
syllabus.
DISABILITY ACCOMODATIONS: In order for a student to receive disability accommodations under Section 504 of the
Americans with Disabilities Act, he or she must schedule an individual meeting with the Director of Student Counseling
Services immediately upon recognition of their disability (if their disability is known they must come in before the
semester begins or make an appointment immediately upon receipt of their syllabi for the new semester). The student must
bring with them written documentation from a medical physician and/or licensed clinician that verifies their disability. If
the student has received prior accommodations (example Individualized Education Plan from the school system).
Documentation must be current (within 3 years). The student must meet with SCS face-to-face and also attend two (2)
additional follow up meetings (one mid semester before or after midterm examinations and the last one at the end of the
semester). Please note that the student may also schedule additional meetings as needed for support through SCS as they
work with their professor throughout the semester. Note: Students must come in each semester to complete their
Individualized Accommodation Plan. Student Counseling Services is located in Alumni Hall Room #4 or they may be
contacted via email at MBryant@mc.edu or rward@mc.edu. You may also reach them by phone at 601-925-7790.
Mississippi College has adopted the practice of finding students early in the semester who may be exhibiting behaviors that
could ultimately have a negative impact on their academic progress. These behaviors are often called “red flag” behaviors
and include, but are not limited to, excessive absences, poor test grades, and lack of class participation or evidence of
nonengagement. Identifying these behaviors early gives the instructor the opportunity to raise the “red flag” on behalf of a
particular student so that the student can take the appropriate action to redirect his/her progress. The system alerts the
student, the student’s advisor, and the Office of Student Success.
These messages are intended to help a student recognize an area of concern and to encourage him/her to make some
choices to improve the situation. When a student receives an Early Alert message, the student should quickly make an
appointment to talk with his/her professor about the situation. Also, students can make full use of the Office of Student
Success to set academic goals and connect to campus resources
H.
I
Course Assignments
Daily Assignments
Occasionally, homework assignments will be given out that go along with course material (in class and from the
text). The assignments are meant to reinforce concepts learned in class. The assignments will be due the next class
period and it is expected that the student will give his or her best effort. This is a way the student can establish a
good grade for himself or herself. The point value will be based on the assignment. (50 points)
Examinations
There will be two examinations in this class—a midterm and a final examination. Each test is worth 100 points. The
tests will be made of primarily multiple choice and true false items (with some calculations on the first test). A
study guide will be given to each student two weeks prior to every test. (200 points).
Psychological Report
The student will asked to assess a fellow student using instruments selected by the instructor. The student will
interview his or her classmate and then administer the tests to the individual. Based on the interview and assessment
results the student will write a psychological report on the individual. A detailed handout will be given out in the
near future that specifically lays out what is required in the psychological report. The paper should be 4-6 pages in
length, APA style, double-spaced, and stapled (100 points).
Assignment #3: Your Definition of Intelligence
After reading the chapter on intelligence and our discussion of the topic, decide which theory of intelligence you
believe most accurately describes the nature of intelligence. In a two page (double-spaced and stapled) paper, briefly
describe in your words describe the theory you agree with? Why do you believe it is accurate? Is there evidence that
supports your view? Do you see any limitations of the theory?
20 points
Due:
Assignment #4: Developing a Psychological Profile of Yourself
Based on your results from the taking the condensed forms of the Myers-Briggs and the Strong Interest Inventory,
write up a psychological profile of yourself. Briefly describe yourself based on your results. What are your major
psychological traits and characteristics? Your attitudes and tendencies? Your interests? What do you see as areas of
growth or limitations based on these results? Do you see these results represent an accurate portrayal of you? What
did you learn by taking these tests? This paper should be at least 2 pages in length and double-spaced.
20 points
Due:
Note: Some additional homework assignments will be given to reinforce learning, especially of statistical
concepts.
Position Paper
The class will look at one topic in an in-depth through various readings and class discussions. This semester the
topic will be one of the most controversial topics in psychological testing and that is intelligence. How does one
define intelligence? How do the various experts define intelligence? How do you measure intelligence? How have
people attempted to measure intelligence in the past, currently, and what do people think in terms of the future? The
student will be asked to develop a paper on your position of intelligence—what you think it is and how it should be
measured. The paper should be well thought out and well reasoned and giving evidence that supports your position.
The student should incorporate the readings from our classroom discussions and should be embedded in the paper.
The paper should be APA style, double-spaced, and stapled. It should be 3-5 pages in length. (50 points)