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

Prerequisites
PSY80075 Advanced Psychological Assessment

Rule

Admission into:

DR-CLIPSY

OR

DR-CNSPSY

OR

DR-CFPSY Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology)

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date

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
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Practical ExaminationIndividual 0% 1,2 
ReflectionIndividual 0% 2,3 
Report 1Individual 0% 1,2,3,4,5 
Report 2Group 0% 1,2,5 

Content

  • The theoretical basis for the assessment techniques used in psychology
  • Guidelines for conducting an assessment interview 
  • 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-3 (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.