Trends in Psychological Measurement

As mentioned in this week’s Introduction, computers have propelled many of the changes in psychological testing. Computers facilitate the computation needed for test construction, administration, scoring, and interpretation. Through the Internet, computers also make it much easier to collect test validation data and to administer tests at a distance. Nevertheless, these changes are accompanied by new challenges and problems. For instance, some computer programs are available that score test protocols, write narratives, and make recommendations. A computer-generated report, however, is unable to weigh clinical information in the way that a professional could and can therefore be misleading. When test validation and administration is done virtually, there is less control over the nature of the sample and the conditions of administration. Furthermore, electronic storage and transmission of test information raises concerns about security and confidentiality.

Another outcome of increasing computer technology is that item-response theory (IRT) is becoming increasingly easy to apply. New software and fast and inexpensive computers are readily accessible. This has made possible the development of item banks and computer administration that can be carefully matched to an examinee’s ability level. IRT also allows test items to be compared across languages and cultures.

Increased sensitivity to cultural diversity and disability is another trend. Since the 1970s, there has been a significant awareness of how culture affects and biases test performance. Early responses to this awareness were to “throw out the baby with the bathwater.” For instance, the 1979 California Larry P. v. Riles legal decision banned the use of intelligence tests for placing African-American students in special education classes. An evolving understanding of culture allows us to apply tests more appropriately, selecting test instruments that are consistent with an examinee’s background, interpreting patterns of scores rather than single summary scores, and looking at test results against the background of personal information.

To prepare for this Discussion, select one peer-reviewed journal article on a current trend in psychological measurement (one mentioned above or a different one). Consider the implications of this trend for future testing, measurement, and research.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post a brief summary of the article you selected and an explanation of how the article characterizes the trend. Finally, explain two implications of this trend in future testing, measurement, and research.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

In 1978, Gerbner, Gross, Jackson-Beeck, Jeffries-Fox, and Signorielli defined violence as “The overt expression of physical force (with or without weapon) against self or other, compelling action against one’s will on pain of being hurt or killed, or actually hurting or killing. Must be plausible and credible; no idle threats, verbal abuse, or comic gestures with no credible violent consequences. May be intentional or accidental; violent accidents, catastrophes, acts of nature are included.”

For this assignment, you will watch three television shows and analyze them for verbal and physical violence portrayed in the show. Use the attached document “Nonexperimental Designs,” located under the assignment tab, to complete the first part of the assignment.

In 250-500 words, do the following:

1. Describe what you discovered in this content analysis.
2. State the findings of your experiment. Explain how your experiment is reliable and/or valid.
3. Identify any variables in your experiment.
4. Copy and paste the tally sheet from “Nonexperimental Designs” at the end of your paper so it is included it in your study.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

Sheila came to your office about 8 months ago seeking counseling. She stated that she, “hoped to save her marriage.” After a few sessions with Sheila, you suggested that couples counseling might be helpful, but her husband, Roy, refused to participate. Three months ago, Sheila and Roy went through a very nasty breakup of their marriage, and now you have been subpoenaed to produce all of your records pertaining to Sheila’s treatment. Sheila has told you not to comply with the subpoena.

What should you do? Why?

Describe the specific steps you would take in responding to the subpoena.