Tests are an important component of psychology and psychological
tests provide psychologist with critical information in regard to the thoughts,
personality, and behavior of humans. There are several major categories of
tests, with several major uses and users of tests. Tests used in and for psychological
purposes have to be reliable and valid; therefore, reliability and validity are
also important concepts of psychology that affect psychological testing.
Defining the Term Test
Test is an Old French word originally used in English in 1368 as a
means of referring to a cup purposed to smelt silver or gold ore (Hogan, 2007).
However, this is an inaccurate definition in terms of psychology. Today, several
definitions of what a test is exist. However, to have a precise definition of the
term, that definition must include six elements. These six elements are process
or device, yields information, behavior or cognitive processes, sample of, standardized,
and quantified (Hogan, 2007). Including these six elements to form a definition
of the term “test” can explain what it is exactly, what information it provides,
and how it provides that information. Hogan (2007), “a test is a standardized
process or device that yields information about a sample of behavior or
cognitive processes in a quantified manner” (p. 41).
Major Categories of Tests
The major categories of tests consist of five categories that are neuropsychological,
interests, personality, achievement, and mental ability tests (Hogan, 2007). As
for neuropsychological tests, these tests are a means of providing information
concerning the function of the central nervous system, specifically the
functions of the human brain (Hogan, 2007). As for interest tests, these tests
are a means of measuring the attitudes and interests of humans. As for
personality tests, these types of tests provide information about the
personalities of humans. As for achievement tests, these tests are a means of
assessing an individual’s skills or knowledge in a specific area. As for mental
ability tests, that is, in relation to psychological testing these tests are a
means of testing varies cognitive functions that include creative thinking, spatial
visualization, and memory (Hogan, 2007). These five major categories have deferring
purposes and separately test for specific information in regard to humans.
Major Uses and Users of Tests
The major uses of tests are for clinical, educational, personnel, and
research purposes. In regard to clinical purposes which include the fields of neuropsychology,
school psychology, counseling, and clinical psychology, psychologists try
helping individuals who are having certain types of problems (Hogan, 2007). As
for educational purposes, users such as parents, educational administrators,
and teachers use tests to determine the level at which students are learning.
Also, they use tests predicting how successful an individual will be academically.
In regard to personnel purposes, individuals such as military personal and
business professionals use tests for selecting qualified individuals for
varying employment opportunities based on skill levels. Also, these individuals
use tests for assigning employees for a specific task.
As for research purposes, researchers use tests to conduct research
in psychology, other sciences, and in education to determine the dependent
variable in research studies (Hogan, 2007). Also, for describing samples in
research studies, and for researching tests to develop new tests.
Comparing and Contrasting Reliability and Validity
Reliability and validity are two significant concepts regarding
tests and psychological testing. It is critical that tests have reliability and
validity. The concern of validity is what tests measure; whereas, the concern
of reliability is a measure of consistency (Hogan, 2007). Validity refers to if tests
measure what they claim to measure or do not and if one can interpret test
scores in a meaningful way for a certain purpose (Hogan, 2007). When tests do
not measure what they claim and their scores do not serve a meaningful purpose than
those tests do not possess validity. Reliability refers to how consistent a
measurement is. Tests are reliable if achieving the same results occurs after retesting
or repeated testing. Tests can be reliable but may not be valid and are only
valid when reliable.
Reliability and validity affect psychological testing because such
tests have to be reliable and valid in order for a psychologist to measure a
particular trait; although, a psychologist may receive constant results from
tests when they are not both reliable and valid. However, tests cannot measure
for a particular personality trait that they supposed to measure.
Conclusion
Tests or testing is critical in psychology. Tests are a means of obtaining,
providing and gathering significant information, especially in regard to human thoughts,
personality, and behavior. The major categories of tests provide important
information for major users of such tests in regard to the fields that use tests.
Reliability and validity are critical measures for tests and for psychological
testing in regard to gathering reliable and valid measures.
Reference
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