Advanced Psychological Assessment
Overview
This unit of study introduces a number of specific assessment instruments and procedures commonly employed by practicing psychologists. The goal is to build on competencies required at APAC Level 2 (Honours or equivalent) and to focus on the practical application of specific tests and procedures. A basic knowledge of concepts of reliability and validity is assumed. In discussing tests and interview procedures, the role of assessment in psychological practice is considered along with the process of clinical decision making. The aim is to further develop students’ capacity to use tests judiciously and to build towards competency in the use of tests of psychological functioning (including learning, intelligence, emotion, cognition, memory and personality) as required by the Psychology Board of Australia for clinical psychology endorsement.
Requisites
Rule
Admission into:
DR-CLIPSY
OR
DR-CNSPSY
OR
DR-CFPSY Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology)
01-June-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Administer psychometric tests and personality inventories and interpret the results of these measures in a clinically meaningful way
- Identify limitations of psychological tests with particular reference to validity, reliability, and cultural considerations
- Conduct an assessment interview using a range of techniques including questionnaires, structured and semi-structured interviews, and unstructured interviews
- Competently conduct a Mental State Examination, which will include the systematic observation of behaviour
- Write informed, succinct, and valid reports based on a psychological assessment
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Lecture | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| On-campus Workshop | 3.00 | 2 weeks | 6 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 9.00 | 12 weeks | 108 |
| On-campus Class | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Examination | Individual | 0% | 1,2 |
| Reflection | Individual | 0% | 2,3 |
| Report 1 | Individual | 0% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Report 2 | Group | 0% | 1,2,5 |
Content
- The theoretical basis for the assessment techniques used in psychology
- Guidelines for conducting an assessment interviewÂ
- Guidelines for test selection, including the psychometric properties of psychological tests
- Instruction in test administration and interpretation:
- The current version of an individually administered adult or child test of intelligence (some examples of appropriate tests include – WISC IV, WAIS IV)
- The current version of at least one major standardised test of personality (examples of appropriate tests include, MMPI-3Â (and RF version), PAI, CPI, OMNI, NEO-PI)
- The current version of at least one specialised memory assessment (e.g. Wechsler Memory Scale; Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning)
- Guidelines for reporting on the results of a psychological assessment
- Graduate Attribute 1 (Communication 1 - Verbal Communication)
- Graduate Attribute 2 (Communication 2 - Communicating using different media)
- Graduate Attribute 3 (Teamwork 1 - Collaboration and negotiation)
- Graduate Attribute 4 (Teamwork 2 - Teamwork roles and processes)
- Graduate Attribute 5 (Digital Literacies 1 - Information literacy)
- Graduate Attribute 6 (Digital Literacies 2 - Technical literacy)
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.