Psychological Assess I

Catalog description

This course is the first in a two-semester sequence covering psychological assessment. Consistent with the view of psychological assessment as a dynamic and inherently therapeutic process, students learn to collect test data that provide an integrated view of a human being, with contextual, developmental and historical data, subjective experiences, presenting concerns, signs and symptoms, observational data, and information provided from multiple informants. Information is integrated to provide an understanding of the person evaluated in order to answer referral questions and develop interventions and/or therapeutic plans. Topics include the history of cognitive assessment, theories of intelligence and current issues affecting the field of cognitive assessment. Instruction includes foundational skills for administration, scoring, and interpretation of commonly used cognitive assessment instruments, interviewing skills, assessment of academic functioning, and report writing. Volunteer clients provide opportunities for practicing skills. Adherence to standardized test administration, and practice consistent with professional ethical principles and codes of conduct are emphasized throughout the course. In addition, client strengths and needs are embedded in an appreciation of diversity relevant to cognitive assessment and education. Students are taught to use self-reflection to understand their own performance and understand their contributions to the processes of conducting effective evaluations.