Based on a tremendous increase in the development of psychometric theories in the past decade -- ranging from techniques for criterion-referenced testing to behavioral assessment, generalizability, and item response theory -- this book offers a summary of core issues. In so doing, it provides a comprehensive survey of reliability, validity, and item analysis from the perspectives of classical true-score model, generalizability theory, item response theory, criterion-referenced testing, and behavioral assessment. Related theoretical issues such as item bias, equating, and cut-score determination are also discussed. This is an excellent text for courses in statistics, research methods, behavioral medicine and cognitive science as well as educational, school, experimental, counseling/social, clinical, developmental, and personality psychology.

This book declines to take for granted the widespread assumption that existing psychometric procedures provide scientific measurement. The currently fashionable concepts of measurement within psychology -- operationalism and representationalism -- are critically examined, and the classical view, that measurement is the assessment of quantity, is defended. Within this framework, it is shown how conjoint measurement can be used to test the hypothesis that variables are quantitative. This theme is developed in detail using familiar psychological examples, such as Thurstone's law of comparative judgment, multidimensional scaling, and Coombs' theory of unfolding.

Originally published in 1983 and written in the tradition of the British School of Psychology, Spearman, Burt, Eysenck, Cattell, this book from a well-known author was exceptional at the time in its attempt to wed quantification and psychological theory in the study of personality. The student is presented with a discussion of the different methods of measuring personality and the various findings which have been made. The results are then discussed in the light of psychological theories of personality and here the author stresses the need for a theory with a properly quantified bias. However, the emphasis on findings from measurement and not the measurement itself makes the book psychological, truly about personality and not simply another text on psychological measurement.

Quickly acquire the knowledge and skills you need to confidently administer, score, and interpret the NEPSY(R)-II

The NEPSY(R)-II is widely used by school psychologists, neuropsychologists, and research psychologists to assess children, ages three to sixteen, with neurological disorders and developmental disabilities and to develop effective intervention strategies. It provides comprehensive assessment over six functional domains: Attention/Executive Functioning, Language, Sensorimotor Functions, Visuospatial Processing, Memory and Learning, and Social Perception. Professionals need an authoritative source of advice and guidance on how to administer, score, and interpret the test to use it properly. Coauthored by two of the creators of the NEPSY(R)-II, "Essentials of NEPSY(R)-II Assessment" is that source.

Like all the volumes in the "Essentials of Psychological Assessment" series, this book is designed to help busy mental health professionals, and those in training, quickly acquire the knowledge and skills they need to make optimal use of major psychological assessment instruments. Each concise chapter features numerous callout boxes highlighting key concepts, bulleted points, and extensive illustrative material, as well as test questions that help you gauge and reinforce your grasp of the information covered.

"Essentials of NEPSY"(R)"-II Assessment" includes vital information about the NEPSY(R)-II, including the advantage of being able to assess a child across functions and modalities. The authors provide step-by-step guidance on test administration, scoring, and interpretation and valuable advice on its clinical applications. Expert assessment of the test's relative strengths and weaknesses is also provided in a chapter contributed by Stephen R. Hooper.

Other titles in the "Essentials of Psychological Assessment" series:

Essentials of Assessment Report Writing

Essentials of School Neurosychological Assessment

Essentials of Evidence-Based Academic Interventions

Essentials of Response to Intervention

Essentials of Processing Assessment

Essentials of Conners Behavior AssessmentsTM

Essentials of Cross-Battery Assessment, Second Edition

Essentials of WISC(R)-IV Assessment, Second Edition

This book brings together psychometric, cognitive science, policy, and content domain perspectives on new approaches to educational assessment -- in particular, constructed response, performance testing, and portfolio assessment. These new assessment approaches -- a full range of alternatives to traditional multiple-choice tests -- are useful in all types of large-scale testing programs, including educational admissions, school accountability, and placement. This book's multi-disciplinary perspective identifies the potential advantages and pitfalls of these new assessment forms, as well as the critical research questions that must be addressed if these assessment methods are to benefit education.

This unusual book was written to provide a glimpse into the inner "Rorschach" world of individuals -- psychology students in training -- representing the basic Rorschach subtypes. The Rorschach records of these graduate students in clinical psychology are presented along with their own interpretations and analyses of their records. In short, The Inside Story offers both a new approach to learning projective diagnostic methods such as the Rorschach and a new experience in the adventure of self-understanding.

This classic volume outlines, for both students and professionals, the mathematical theories and equations that are necessary for evaluating a test and for quantifying its characteristics. The author utilizes formulas that evaluate both the reliability and the validity of tests. He also provides the means for evaluating the reliability and validity of total test scores and individual item analysis. The work remains one of the only books on classical test theory to discuss applications, "true score" theory, the effect of test length on reliability and validity, and the effects of univariate and multivariate selection on validity.

This outstanding presentation of the fundamentals of multidimensional scaling illustrates the applicability of MDS to a wide variety of disciplines. The first two sections provide ground work in the history and theory of MDS. The final section applies MDS techniques to such diverse fields as physics, marketing, and political science.

Scaling Methods is written for professionals in the behavioral sciences who analyze data that results from subjective responses. Other books on scaling attitudes or measuring perceptions focus on the psychometrician's view of measurement. This book focuses on the users' view by concentrating on effective ways to analyze data rather than the mathematical details of how each program works. The methods included handle the majority of data analysis problems encountered and are accompanied by a software solution. Each chapter features the theory surrounding that methodology, an example, a real-world application, and a computer solution. This book introduces the major uni- and multi-dimensional scaling method techniques most common in educational, social, and psychological research. Using four primary methods of data collection--ordering, categorical rating, free clustering, and similarity judgments--Scaling Methods, Second Edition explains how such data can be represented in ways that illustrate relationships among the data and help reveal underlying dimensional structures. Each method serves as an independent unit so readers can pick and choose from a variety of easy-to-use procedures and more advanced techniques. The new edition features a new chapter on order analysis and downloadable resources that provide stand-alone, as well as SAS supported demonstrations of multi-dimensional scaling techniques, plus programs to get raw data into matrix form. The text is written for researchers, practitioners, and advanced students in education and the social and behavioral sciences interested in analyzing data resulting from subjective responses, especially in the measurement of attitudes. Each chapter is self-contained making this an excellent resource for use in the classroom or as a self-study tool. A first course in statistics is a helpful prerequisite.

First published in 1993. This book is intended for managers and occupational psychologists involved in the selection and assessment of the workforce. It details the history and development of the use of biographical data for both recruitment and promotion of employees. Grounded in relevant research literature, it offers a comprehensive analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of biodata in different contexts. It also includes examples of applications and recommendations for use, as well as examples of questionnaires. Written by experts, it represents a wide-ranging review of the contemporary research in the field. This work will be of interest to students of business and psychology.

Drawing on the work of internationally acclaimed experts in the field, Handbook of Item Response Theory, Volume Two: Statistical Tools presents classical and modern statistical tools used in item response theory (IRT). While IRT heavily depends on the use of statistical tools for handling its models and applications, systematic introductions and reviews that emphasize their relevance to IRT are hardly found in the statistical literature. This second volume in a three-volume set fills this void. Volume Two covers common probability distributions, the issue of models with both intentional and nuisance parameters, the use of information criteria, methods for dealing with missing data, and model identification issues. It also addresses recent developments in parameter estimation and model fit and comparison, such as Bayesian approaches, specifically Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods.

Exploit the full potential of the WPPSI-IV with analysis from multiple perspectives Essentials of WPPSI-IV Assessment is a comprehensive guide to administering, scoring, and interpreting the latest edition of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, which represents a major revision of the prior edition. Step-by-step guidelines walk readers through the process, and new Behind the Scenes boxes provide unprecedented insight into the new subtests and the test development process. The book highlights common errors and complex aspects so readers can avoid them, and includes illustrative case studies based on data collected during the scale's standardization to assist in proper administration and interpretation. The companion CD provides software that automates score interpretation, and supplies users with tools to enhance WPPSI-IV administration and report writing. Used to evaluate for learning or intellectual disabilities, developmental or language delays, or gifted and talented classification, the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence is the most widely used assessment of intelligence for young children. Essentials of WPPSI-IV Assessment applies an interpretive approach that allows flexibility in response to the real constraints and challenges inherent in working with children, describing performance in both normative and interpersonal contexts to facilitate interpretive case formulations from multiple theoretical and clinical perspectives. Topics include: * WPPSI-IV administration and clinical applications * Scoring, score analysis, and interpretation * Strengths and weaknesses of the WPPSI-IV * Differences across demographic groups The book and accompanying CD also provide alternatives for situations in which published comparison scores may not be available or applicable to a particular child, and supplies composite scores aimed at facilitating WPPSI-IV interpretation from a variety of theoretical approaches. Those who employ the WPPSI-IV must have a thorough grasp of the full potential of the tool, and Essentials of WPPSI-IV Assessment contains the insight and information that allow for deeper understanding.

Originally published in 1983 and written in the tradition of the British School of Psychology, Spearman, Burt, Eysenck, Cattell, this book from a well-known author was exceptional at the time in its attempt to wed quantification and psychological theory in the study of personality. The student is presented with a discussion of the different methods of measuring personality and the various findings which have been made. The results are then discussed in the light of psychological theories of personality and here the author stresses the need for a theory with a properly quantified bias. However, the emphasis on findings from measurement and not the measurement itself makes the book psychological, truly about personality and not simply another text on psychological measurement.

The History of Educational Measurement collects essays on the most important topics in educational testing, measurement, and psychometrics. Authored by the field's top scholars, this book offers unique historical viewpoints, from origins to modern applications, of formal testing programs and mental measurement theories. Topics as varied as large-scale testing, validity, item-response theory, federal involvement, and notable assessment controversies complete a survey of the field's greatest challenges and most important achievements. Graduate students, researchers, industry professionals, and other stakeholders will find this volume relevant for years to come.

In a managed care era, the MMPI-2 is becoming an overloaded workhorse, required to generate more and more of the assessments that a battery of instruments once did. Though all now rely on the MMPI-2 for good reasons, and the MMPI has fallen out of use entirely, some important and clinically useful scales were lost in the transition. Edward Gotts and Thomas Knudsen have recovered these scales and integrated them with all the standard MMPI-2 scales, the recently published Restructured Clinical Scales, and a number of scales they have constructed to assess positive strengths and coping abilities, and response consistency-inconsistency. This book lays out their new Content Cluster interpretive approach. Drawing on data from a large psychiatric inpatient sample, they present item composition, reliability, and validity information for each recovered and new scale, and convincingly demonstrate that their new Content Cluster approach results in improved prediction and interpretive power. They also show how to conjoin Rorschach and MMPI-2 results in more effective assessment strategies, and how to tie MMPI-2 results to specific DSM-IV criteria. The Clinical Interpretation of the MMPI-2: A Content Cluster Approach offers psychologists essential new tools for clinical and personality assessment.

*Complete coverage of administration, scoring, interpretation, and reporting *Expert advice on avoiding common pitfalls *Conveniently formatted for rapid reference The hands-on guide for confidently administering, scoring, and interpreting the WJ IV(R) Tests of Achievement Written by Nancy Mather and Barbara J. Wendling two experts on the topic Essentials of WJ IV(R) Tests of Achievement provides step-by-step guidance for administering, scoring, and interpreting the achievement portion of the WJ IV(R).Designed to be an easy-to-use reference, the text goes beyond the information found in the WJ IV(R) test manual to offer full explanations of the tests and clusters on the WJ IV(R) ACH. This essential guide also explains the meaning of all scores and interpretive features and includes valuable advice on clinical applications and illuminating case studies. Essentials of WJ IV(R) Tests of Achievement contains: * Concise chapters that feature numerous callout boxes highlighting key concepts, bulleted points, and 'Test Yourself' questions * Separate chapter on the use and interpretation of the WJ IV(R) Tests of Oral Language and how the WJ IV(R) ACH and WJ IV(R) OL can be used together to increase diagnostic utility * Expert assessment of the test's relative strengths and weaknesses This accessible resource highlights the most informative aspects of WJ IV(R) ACH, points out common errors, and reviews the complexities of administration and scoring the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement.

Originally published in 1960, the two volumes of Experiments in Personality report a number of experiments in psychogenetics, psychopharmacology, psychodiagnostics, psychometrics and psychodynamics, all of which formed part of the programme of research which had been developing from the late 1940s at the Maudsley Hospital. Presenting the studies together in a book, rather than the more usual route of journal articles, was itself felt to be an experiment at the time, especially given the wide area covered. The decision was deliberate because all the studies reported formed part of a larger whole, which would have been lost if published separately. Volume I looks at psychogenetics and psychopharmacology.

Originally published in 1926, the first part of this book attempted to formulate a theory of ability in the light of recent experimental results of the time. It discusses the nature of intelligence and the problem of special abilities, and includes a study of some typical forms of genius. The second part gives an account of a three years' experimental study of special abilities in arts and science respectively, carried out upon university students. Samples of the tests employed are included. The results are presented in non-technical form. Victoria Hazlitt was a pioneer of experimental psychology, which was particularly significant as a woman in the early twentieth century. In many cases her work anticipated later developments in psychology by many years. Today it can be enjoyed in its historical context.

Originally published in 1960, the two volumes of Experiments in Personality report a number of experiments in psychogenetics, psychopharmacology, psychodiagnostics, psychometrics and psychodynamics, all of which formed part of the programme of research which had been developing from the late 1940s at the Maudsley Hospital. Presenting the studies together in a book, rather than the more usual route of journal articles, was itself felt to be an experiment at the time, especially given the wide area covered. The decision was deliberate because all the studies reported formed part of a larger whole, which would have been lost if published separately. Volume II looks at psychodiagnostics, psychodynamics and psychometrics.

High stakes tests are the gatekeepers to many educational and professional goals. As such, the incentive to cheat is high. This Handbook is the first to offer insights from experts within the testing community, psychometricians, and policymakers to identify and develop best practice guidelines for the design of test security systems for a variety of testing genres. Until now this information was scattered and often resided inside testing companies. As a result, rather than being able to learn from each other's experiences, each testing entity was left to re-create their own test security wheel. As a whole the book provides invaluable insight into the prevalence of cheating and "best practices" for designing security plans, training personnel, and detecting and investigating misconduct, to help develop more secure testing systems and reduce the likelihood of future security breaches. Actual case studies from a variety of settings bring to life how security systems really work. Examples from both domestic and international programs are provided. Highlights of coverage include:* Best practices for designing secure tests * Analysis of security vulnerabilities for all genres of testing * Practical cheating prevention and detection strategies * Lessons learned in actual security violations in high profile testing programs. Part I focuses on how tests are delivered for paper-and-pencil, technology-based, and classroom testing and writing assessment. Each chapter addresses the prevalence of the problem and threats to security, prevention, and detection. Part II addresses issues essential to maintaining a secure testing program such as planning and monitoring, physical security, the detection of group-based cheating, investigating misconduct, and communicating about security-related issues. Part III examines actual examples of cheating-- how the cheating was done, how it was detected, and the lessons learned. Part III provides insight into security issues within each of the Association of Test Publishers' four divisions: certification/licensure, clinical, educational, and industrial/organizational testing. Part III's conclusion revisits the issues addressed in the case studies and identifies common themes. Intended for organizations, professionals, educators, policy makers, researchers, and advanced students that design, develop, or use high stakes tests, this book is also ideal for graduate level courses on test development, educational measurement, or educational policy.

High stakes tests are the gatekeepers to many educational and professional goals. As such, the incentive to cheat is high. This Handbook is the first to offer insights from experts within the testing community, psychometricians, and policymakers to identify and develop best practice guidelines for the design of test security systems for a variety of testing genres. Until now this information was scattered and often resided inside testing companies. As a result, rather than being able to learn from each other's experiences, each testing entity was left to re-create their own test security wheel. As a whole the book provides invaluable insight into the prevalence of cheating and "best practices" for designing security plans, training personnel, and detecting and investigating misconduct, to help develop more secure testing systems and reduce the likelihood of future security breaches. Actual case studies from a variety of settings bring to life how security systems really work. Examples from both domestic and international programs are provided. Highlights of coverage include:* Best practices for designing secure tests * Analysis of security vulnerabilities for all genres of testing * Practical cheating prevention and detection strategies * Lessons learned in actual security violations in high profile testing programs. Part I focuses on how tests are delivered for paper-and-pencil, technology-based, and classroom testing and writing assessment. Each chapter addresses the prevalence of the problem and threats to security, prevention, and detection. Part II addresses issues essential to maintaining a secure testing program such as planning and monitoring, physical security, the detection of group-based cheating, investigating misconduct, and communicating about security-related issues. Part III examines actual examples of cheating-- how the cheating was done, how it was detected, and the lessons learned. Part III provides insight into security issues within each of the Association of Test Publishers' four divisions: certification/licensure, clinical, educational, and industrial/organizational testing. Part III's conclusion revisits the issues addressed in the case studies and identifies common themes. Intended for organizations, professionals, educators, policy makers, researchers, and advanced students that design, develop, or use high stakes tests, this book is also ideal for graduate level courses on test development, educational measurement, or educational policy.

Quickly acquire the knowledge and skills you need to confidently administer, score, and interpret behavioral assessment tests

Behavioral assessment tests analyze and assess a broad range of behavioral problems found among children and adolescents, including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and ADHD. To use these tests properly, professionals need an authoritative source of advice and guidance on how to administer, score, and interpret them. Cowritten by leading experts in the behavioral assessment field and the creators of the BASC (Behavioral Assessment System for Children), Essentials of Behavioral Assessment is that source.

Like all the volumes in the Essentials of Psychological Assessment series, this book is designed to help busy mental health professionals quickly acquire the knowledge and skills they need to make optimal use of major psychological assessment instruments. Each concise chapter features numerous callout boxes highlighting key concepts, bulleted points, and extensive illustrative material, as well as test questions that help you gauge and reinforce your grasp of the information covered.

Essentials of Behavioral Assessment is the first book to provide state-of-the-art interpretive and administrative guidelines to using the BASC, CRS-R (Conners’ Rating Scales-Revised), and CBCL (Achenbach Child Behavior Checklists), the leading and most highly recognized behavioral assessment tests used in the field. The authors also offer expert assessment of the tests’ merits and include classroom observations.

Other titles in the Essentials of Psychological Assessment series:

Essentials of WJ IIITM Tests of Achievement Assessment
Essentials of WJ IIITM Cognitive Abilities Assessment
Essentials of WMS®-III Assessment
Essentials of Individual Achievement Assessment
Essentials of Nepsy® Assessment
Essentials of Cross-Battery Assessment
Essentials of Cognitive Assessment with KAIT and Other Kaufman Measures
Essentials of Nonverbal Assessment
Essentials of WISC-III® and WPPSI-R® Assessment

This book shows readers how to conduct observational methods, research tools used to describe and explain behaviors as they unfold in everyday settings. The book now uses both an evolutionary and a cultural perspective. The methods presented are drawn from psychology, education, family studies, sociology, and anthropology, but the author's primary focus is on children in school, family, and social settings. Readers learn how to make observations in real contexts to help them create a verbal picture of behaviors they see. The importance of considering reliability and validity factors while testing within each environment is emphasized throughout. The author draws from the literature that provides methods for observing animals in their natural habitats, but emphasizes the use of observational methods to solve human problems. The book is organized in the way a researcher conducts observational studiesOCoconceptualizing of the idea, designing and implementing the study, and writing the report. OC Things to think aboutOCO sections provide an opportunity for students to solidify their understanding of the material and the Glossary defines the key terms introduced in the book.

Highlights of changes in the new edition include:

OCoaThe introduction of the cultural perspective in chapter 4 along with the evolutionary (epigenetic theory) perspective and the integration of cultural examples throughout the book.
OCoaMore varied examples from developmental psychology, family studies, and education.
OCoaExtensively revised chapter (3) on ethics reflects the current revelations of scientific fraud and the push for researchers to maximize scientific integrity in their community.
OCoaUpdated chapter (12) reflects the latest computer technologies used in observational methods including iPhones and Blackberrys for conducting observation, ABC Data Pro and Behavior Tracker for evaluations, and Excel for constructing observational templates.
OCoaExpanded chapter (13) on writing the research report and more on issues of plagiarism (ch. 3).a
OCoaThe latest on minimizing observer effects on participants and testing their effectiveness.
OCoaNew environmentally friendly design, the Things to Think About sections were retained, but the blank pages for answers were eliminated.

Intended as a supplementary text for advanced undergraduate and/or graduate courses in research methods and/or developmental research or developmental/child psychology taught in psychology, education, human development, and nursing, educators and researchers concerned with assessing children will also appreciate this bookOCOs introduction to observational methods.

A collection of illustrative adolescent case studies to aid clinicians in problem identification, diagnosis, and treatment planning-the only casebook for the MMPI-A-RF The MMPI-A-RF is linked to current models of psychopathology and personality, and features scales relevant for use with adolescents in a variety of clinical, forensic, and school settings. It mirrors the structure of the MMPI-2-RF, resulting in the most up-to-date, empirically based personality assessment for use with adolescents. Written by the authors of the earlier Case Studies for Interpreting the MMPI-A, this book continues the goal of serving as an authentic and illustrative guide for clinicians in understanding and using the MMPI-A-RF. Since the publication of the original Case Studies, much has changed for clinicians who assess and treat adolescents. The interpretive model described in this book demonstrates how the MMPI-A-RF can assist clinicians in assessing youth today by highlighting sixteen cases that broadly represent adolescents evaluated in clinical and forensic practice. In addition, one of the most common uses for the MMPI-A-RF is in the juvenile court setting-a landscape that has also dramatically changed since the publication of the original MMPI-A. Case Studies for Interpreting the MMPI-A-RF focuses on detailed forensic issues, including legal backgrounds, case law, and assessment methods specific to use of the MMPI-A-RF in juvenile court and related settings. Case Studies for Interpreting the MMPI-A-RF will assist clinicians in understanding MMPI-A-RF interpretation, while also being a valuable teaching tool for courses in assessment.

Since the early days of performance assessment, human ratings have been subject to various forms of error and bias. Expert raters often come up with different ratings for the very same performance and it seems that assessment outcomes largely depend upon which raters happen to assign the rating. This book provides an introduction to many-facet Rasch measurement (MFRM), a psychometric approach that establishes a coherent framework for drawing reliable, valid, and fair inferences from rater-mediated assessments, thus answering the problem of fallible human ratings. Revised and updated throughout, the Second Edition includes a stronger focus on the Facets computer program, emphasizing the pivotal role that MFRM plays for validating the interpretations and uses of assessment outcomes.