Course Catalogue

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Students will be introduced to the principles and practice of psychological assessment. The course will focus on a understanding the delivery of tests, battery assessments and interviews, and how these tests are used individually and in combination to understand the brain, behaviour and development. Students will become familiar with the strengths, limitations, interpretation and presentation of findings from a variety of assessment instruments as well as the ethical and social implications of assessment. Opportunities for practice administration of assessment tools will be provided.

Five x 2 hour sessions

Successful completion of level 3H psychology single honours.

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Students will complete a portfolio (100%) that includes an assessment case study (50% written submission 750 words) and an evaluation of an assessment tool/battery (50% written submission 750 words).

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

This course will introduce students to various methods of psychological assessment and the application of psychological tests. Students will be introduced to historical background to developments in psychological assessment, applications of psychological assessment, and an understanding of psychological test batteries. Students will be given the opportunity to discuss and evaluate issues surrounding test administration and interpretation.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of psychological assessment.

■ Critically evaluate the issues associated with delivering and interpreting psychometric tests.

■ Demonstrate their understanding of the assessment issues in applying psychometrics to specific populations.

■ Practice administration of basic assessment tools and batteries.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.