Quick Study: Assessment Tests

Quick Study: Assessment Tests Psychological Tests Generally administered, scored, and interpreted by psychologists or trained administrators in order to assess an individual s cognitive and emotional health Intelligence and achievement tests can be used as tools in school placement, diagnosing learning disabilities or developmental delays, and tracking intellectual development. Personality tests can be used to diagnose psychopathology, screen job candidates, and determine personality strengths and weaknesses. Intelligence Tests Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale How it s administered: The older the child, the more subtests administered. The test is comprised of four cognitive area scores that together determine the composite score and factor scores. These scores include: Verbal Reasoning, Abstract/Visual Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Shortterm Memory. What it measures: This is a standardized test that measures intelligence and cognitive abilities in children and adults from age two through mature adulthood. o Verbal Reasoning: Measures verbal knowledge and understanding obtained from the school and home learning environment. o Abstract/Visual Reasoning: Examines the ability to interpret and perform mathematic operations, visualize patterns, verbal/motor skills, and problem-solving skills through reasoning. o Quantitative Reasoning: Measures numerical reasoning, concentration, and knowledge and application of numerical concepts. o Short-term Memory: Measures concentration skills, short-term memory, and sequencing skills. Test of Nonverbal Intelligence, Second Edition (Toni-2) How it s administered: Takes approximately 15 minutes and is administered in an easel-style picture book to individuals or groups of no more than 5 people. What it measures: The Toni-2 measures abstract problem-solving ability. The Toni-2 is particularly useful with individuals who may be aphasic, non- English speakers, learning-disabled, deaf, or sufferers from head injury, stroke, or cerebral palsy because all responses are nonverbal. Quick Study: Assessment Tests Page 1 of 1

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale- Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) How it s administered: The WAIS-4 is an adult (ages 16+) intelligence scale that is individually administered by a test administrator and takes 90 to 120 minutes. It includes 10 core subtests, and 5 supplemental subtests. What it measures: The test measures one s cognitive ability or intelligence reflected in verbal and performance abilities. The test assesses four major components of intelligence including verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. Typical IQ Scores Are: o 130 and above: Very superior o 120-129: Superior o 110-119: High average o 90-109: Average o 80-89: Low average o 70-79: Borderline o 69 and lower: Below average Aptitude Tests Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) How it s administered: The ASVAB is a multiple-choice test administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. What it measures: The ASVAB is used to determine qualification for enlistment in the United States Armed Forces. Most often given to students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grade, but anyone eligible for enlistment may take it. It measures: o General Science o Arithmetic Reasoning o Word Knowledge o Paragraph Comprehension o Mathematics Knowledge o Electronics Information o Automotive and Shop Information o Mechanical Comprehension o Assembling Objects o Verbal Expression Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) How it s administered: Performed under exam conditions and is strictly timed. What it measures: This test covers several areas including, Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Ability, Abstract reasoning, Perceptual Speed and Accuracy, Mechanical Reasoning, Space Relations, Spelling, and Language Use. The test is used to help individuals: Quick Study: Assessment Tests Page 2 of 2

o Choose among educational and career options based on strengths and weaknesses. o Help an individual understand that he/she does well or poorly in certain subjects. o Can suggest new career options not previously considered. o Change or raise educational and career aspirations. General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) How it s administered: Used with individuals Grade 9 through Adults. The test uses twelve time tests including eight pencil and paper tests, and four performance tests. What it measures: The GATB can be used in vocational counseling, rehabilitation, and occupational selection settings. The GATB measures nine distinct aptitudes including: o General Learning Ability o Verbal Aptitude o Spatial Aptitude o Numerical Aptitude o Form Perception o Clerical Perception o Motor Coordination o Finger Dexterity o Manual Dexterity Interest Inventories Career Assessment Inventory How it s administered: Includes a 370-item test, generally used with individuals ages 15 and older. What it measures: Measures occupational interests for individuals both college and non-college bound. Kuder Occupational Interest Survey How it s administered: Includes 77 occupational and 29 college major scales and is most often used for students that are college bound, or already in college. What it measures: Measures a person s interest based on 10 vocational interest scales including: o Outdoor o Mechanical o Clerical o Computational o Scientific o Literary o Social Service Quick Study: Assessment Tests Page 3 of 3

o Persuasive o Artistic o Musical Ohio Vocational Interest Survey How it s administered: Includes 24 general interest scales and is used with those in grades 8-12. What it measures: Measures a student s interest towards dealing with people, data, and things. Self-Directed Search How it s administered: Based upon Holland s categories, this interest inventory generates codes that correspond to occupations. Most often used for high school and college students, as well as adults. What it measures: The SDS matches one s skills and interests to specific careers or occupations. Strong Interest Inventory How it s administered: Includes 23 basic interest and 124 occupational scales, based on Holland s 6 categories. What it measures: Measures a person s interests in order to help them decide on an appropriate career. Personality Inventories Edwards Personal Preference Schedules How it s administered: The test is targeted for ages 16-85 and is a forcedchoice personality inventory. What it measures: The test measures 15 personality variables related to needs, which includes achievement, dominance, endurance, and order. Personality traits are then compared to occupational profiles. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2RF (MMPI-2RF) How it s administered: The MMPI is a 40-90 minute objective test used only with adults. The test asks the subject to answer around 550 true/false statements, depending on the version of the test being used. What it measures: This test is used to assess psychopathology and personality characteristics. The MMPI consists of clinical scales 0 through 9 which include: o 0: social introversion o 1: hypochondriasis o 2: depression o 3: hysteria o 4: psychopathic deviate or measuring one s need for control and respect for society s rules Quick Study: Assessment Tests Page 4 of 4

o 5: masculine/feminine behaviors or interests o 6: paranoia o 7: psychasthenia, or anxiety levels and tendencies o 8: schizophrenia o 9: hypomania Myers-Briggs Type Indicator How it s administered: The test uses 93 forced-choice questions. What it measures: The test measures psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions. The test can be used to recommend occupations based on the person s four-letter code derived from the test results. The four codes include: o Extroversion (E) or Introversion (I) o Sensing (S) or Intuition (N) o Thinking (T) or Feeling (F) o Judging (J) or Perceiving (P) Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) How it s administered: The test is an untimed multiple-choice questionnaire that can be self-administered in either an individual or group setting. The 16PF test was designed for adults 16 and older. What it measures: The test scores on 16 primary personality scales and 5 global personality scales all of which are bi-polar meaning that both ends of each scale have a distinct, meaningful definition. This test integrates personality traits in order to help individuals choose careers that suit those traits. Projective Personality Tests These tests are useful when a client is too young to be tested, lacks an understanding of self, or impaired in some ways, as a projective test will help a clinician determine diagnostic information. Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test II (Bender-Gestalt II) How it s administered: The test consists of 9 figures, each on it s own card. The client is shown each figure and asked to copy it onto a piece of blank paper. The test takes about 5-10 minutes and is generally used with children ages 3-11. What it measures: The test provides information about an individual s visualmotor development and psychological functioning. House-Tree-Person Interrogation Form How it s administered: The clinician asks a child to draw sketches of a house, tree, and person on three separate pages. Afterwards the clinician asks a set of questions about each drawing and it s meaning. Quick Study: Assessment Tests Page 5 of 5

What it measures: The HTP measures the child s personality, but is subjective. The house mirrors the child s home life. The tree is representative of the child s environment. The person represents the child s interpersonal relationships. Sentence Completion How it s administered: These tests are semi-structured. Respondents are provided with the beginning of sentences, and respondents are then asked to complete the sentence in a way that s meaningful to them. What it measures: The responses provide indications of attitudes, beliefs, motivations, or mental states. Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) How it s administered: This projective test is given in two approximately 60 minute sessions set one day apart designed for individuals age 5 and over. The test administrator shows subjects a series of ambiguous human figure scenes and asks the subject to make up stories about what he/she sees. What it measures: The TAT is commonly used to assess personality and analyzes the stories to gain insight into the subject s view of the world and attitudes towards the self and others. Rorschach Inkblot Test How it s administered: The test administrator presents ten abstract inkblot images, black, red and black, or multicolored, and asks the subject what he or she sees along with any free-association thoughts. This is followed by the inquiry phase where the inkblots are showed again in a specific order where the subject is asked to note what he/she originally saw and what makes it look that way. What it measures: This test is used to assess personality characteristics and any underlying thought disorders among children and adults. Relational Diagnostic Tests Camberwell Family Interview How it s administered: Intensive interview that requires extensive training. What it measures: Measures criticism and over-involvement of family members. Circumplex Model How it s administered: Self-report. What it measures: It gains an understanding of how families are able to cope with various situational stressors throughout their life. Families respond to a questionnaire that measures two aspects of their life: flexibility and cohesion. Flexibility refers to ability of the family to accept change in it s role Quick Study: Assessment Tests Page 6 of 6

relationships, family leadership, and relationship rules. Cohesion refers to the emotional bond between family members. Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) How it s administered: The DAS is a 32-item self-report test. What it measures: It measures marital satisfaction/quality and marital adjustment based on four subscales including: o Marital satisfaction o Cohesion o Consensus o Affective expression Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES) How it s administered: Self-report. What it measures: FACES measures parts of the Circumplex Model of family functioning. Family Cohesion assesses the degree to which family members are connected or separated from one another. Family Adaptability assesses the extent to which the family system is flexible and able to change. Family Assessment Device (FAD) How it s administered: 60-item scale What it measures: Assesses the six dimensions of the McMaster Model of Family Functioning. This includes: o Communication o Problem-solving o Effective responsiveness o Effective involvement o Roles of each family member o Behavior control Family Environment Scale (FES) How it s administered: The FES is a 90-item self-report true/false test. What it measures: The FES measures the social and environmental characteristics of families. The test assesses how family members perceive their family environment within three areas including: o Relationships o Personal growth o System maintenance Conceptualizations of families are based on the following: o Real Form (Form R): Measures people s perceptions of their actual family environments. o Ideal Form (Form I:) Assesses individuals perceptions of their ideal family environment. o Expectations Form (Form E): Instructs respondents to indicate what they expect a family environment will be like if for instance family changes occur. Quick Study: Assessment Tests Page 7 of 7

Family Questionnaire (FQ) How it s administered: Self-report. What it measures: Measures perceived criticism and over-involvement of family members. Five-Minute Speech Sample How it s administered: The parent or relative is asked to describe who is their child and how is their relationship with the child in this 5-minute monologue, done without interruption. What it measures: Assesses expressed emotion in relatives of patients with psychiatric disorders. Marital Satisfaction Inventory (MSI) How it s administered: A self-report assessment used with individuals ages 18 and older. What it measures: The MSI measures the nature and extent of conflict within a marriage or relationship. The test is generally used in the beginning of marital therapy as a way to guide the treatment and identify relationship issues that may contribute to the problem including: o Depression o Substance abuse o Trouble with children The McCaster Clinical Rating Scale (MCRS) How it s administered: A family interview is conducted which can take between 45-90 minutes. What it measures: The MCRS assesses the same six dimensions of family functioning as the FAD. Additionally, the MCRS assesses the overall health or pathology of the family. Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships (PAIR) How it s administered: The PAIR is a 36-item test where responses are based on a 5-point agree/disagree Likert Scale. It can be used in relationships spanning from friendship to marriage. What it measures: The PAIR measures both expected ( how he/she would like it to be ) and perceived ( how it is now ) intimacy. It measures five types of intimacy including: o Emotional o Social o Sexual o Intellectual o Recreational Quick Study: Assessment Tests Page 8 of 8

Premarital Personal and Relational Evaluation (PREPARE) How it s administered: Includes a 165-item inventory. What it measures: PREPARE predicts a couple s readiness for marriage. The inventory helps couples understand each other s families of origin, assess for differences in outlook, and address areas that need attention. The results create a Couple and Family Map that illustrates the strengths of the couple along with what areas need to be explored or strengthened more. Assessment Tools for Children Children s Apperception Test (C.A.T.) How it s administered: The child is shown 10 images of animals in various social situations. Used with children ages 3-10 and takes about 20-45 minutes. What it measures: Assesses the social-emotional components of personality. Children s Depression Inventory (CDI) How it s administered: The CDI is used with children 6-17 and takes about 5-10 minutes to complete. The 27-item inventory asks the child to describe his/her feelings over the past 2 weeks. What it measures: Assesses the child for depression when it is suspected. Connors Rating Scale-Revised (CRS-R) How it s administered: Takes about 15-20 minutes and can be administered in three ways: o Parent (CADS-P) - Completes a 26-item behavior checklist o Teacher (CADS-P) - Completes a 27-item checklist o Adolescent (CADS-A) - Completes a 30-item checklist and self-report What it measures: Evaluates behavior problems while also assessing for ADHD in children 3-17 years of age. Draw-a-Person Test (DAP) How it s administered: The child is asked to draw 3 pictures including: a man, woman, and themselves. Used for children 3-16 years old and takes about 10-15 minutes. What it measures: Tests intelligence in children when verbal expression is difficult. Kinetic Family Drawing (K-F-D) How it s administered: The child is asked to draw of picture of everyone in the family doing something (called kinetic drawings ). What it measures: Assesses self-perception, family relationships, and dynamics within the family interactions. Quick Study: Assessment Tests Page 9 of 9

Matrix Analogies Test (MAT) How it s administered: The child is asked to identify patterns in designs in this nonverbal test. The MAT is used with children ages 5-17, and the maximum time limit is 48 minutes. What it measures: Assesses a child s reasoning abilities when language may affect the assessment. Revised Children s Manifest Anxiety Scale: Second Edition (RCMAS-2) How it s administered: The child is asked to circle yes or no to 37 written statements, each which describe feelings or behavior. The short form scale only asks the first 10 items. What it measures: Assesses anxiety in children. Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition (Vineland II) How it s administered: The parent/caregiver and teacher each complete a rating scale measuring behaviors of children 3-21 years old. What it measures: Assesses the child s performance of developmentally appropriate life skills. Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) How it s administered: The child answers verbal questions in 6 different subtests of the Verbal Scale. The child performs tasks in 7 different subjects of the Performance Scale. Often used with children 6-16 years old. What it measures: Frequently used intelligence test that determines the strengths and weaknesses in learning ability of the child. Appropriate for children with ADHD or conduct disorders and can help determine if the symptoms mask educational achievement. Values Inventories These are often used to measure work values as well as values that are associated with other aspects of the individual s life. Work Values Inventory How it s administered: Self-report where the individual ranks work values that are important to them. What it measures: Measures the emphasis the individual places upon certain values such as intellectual stimulation, a sense of belonging, and security. Quick Study: Assessment Tests Page 10 of 10

Work Environment Preference Schedule How it s administered: Self-report What it measures: Assesses a person s commitment to the set of attitudes, values, and behaviors that are characteristically seen in a bureaucratic environment. Career Maturity Inventories Career Development Inventory How it s administered: Self-report What it measures: Measures the vocational maturity of adolescents by assessing planning orientation, resources for exploration, information gathering, and decision making. Additional Tests Alcohol Use Inventory (AUI) How it s administered: Self-report with individuals 16 and older. What it measures: Assesses patterns of behavior, attitudes, and symptoms associated with alcohol use and abuse. Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) How it s administered: Self-report available in separate versions for adolescents and adults. What it measures: Designed to identify individuals who have a high probability of having a substance use disorder, including substance abuse and substance dependence. Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST) How it s administered: Self-report What it measures: One of the oldest alcoholism screening tests, used to identify dependent drinkers. Beavers-Timberlawn Model How it s administered: An observational method was used where the therapist observes patterns and functions in family interactions. This test was used at the Timberlawn Psychiatric Center, where judges were asked to rate the strengths and weaknesses of each family member in order to identify where those interactions fall within a healthy family functioning. What it measures: Two areas were identified during this study including family competence and family style. The competence levels range from healthy, midrange, borderline, to severely dysfunctional. Quick Study: Assessment Tests Page 11 of 11

Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II) How it s administered: Self-report inventory consisting of 21 questions. Used with individuals 13 and older. What it measures: Used to measure the severity of depression and is composed of items relating to symptoms of depression. This includes hopelessness, irritability, feelings of guilt or of being punished, thoughts of suicide, and physical symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain or loss, and a lack of interest in sex. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) How it s administered: Self-report inventory consisting of 21 questions. What it measures: Measures clinical anxiety. Eating Inventory How it s administered: Self-report questionnaire composed of 36 true or false items in part one and 15 rating scale items in part two. Used for both adolescents and adults. What it measures: Assesses for eating disorders and obesity both prior to and after treatment based on three dimensions of eating behavior including: o Cognitive control of eating o Disinhibition o Hunger Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI) How it s administered: Self-report What it measures: Assesses for the presence of eating disorders based upon symptomatology. Diagnostic Survey for Eating Disorders How it s administered: Self-report What it measures: Used to help differentiate and diagnose Anorexia, Bulimia, or Binge Eating Disorder. Global Assessment of Relational Functioning (GARF) How it s administered: An observational method. What it measures: Measures three areas of functioning within the family unit including: problem solving (how decisions are made and communication), organization (roles and boundaries), and emotional climate (empathy and respect). The GARF rates family or relational functioning along a scale: o 81-100: The relational unit functions satisfactorily and is able to meet the needs of family members. Any conflicts that occur are resolved. o 61-80: The relational unit functions at a dissatisfactory level. Communication is often strained within the family, and while decisionmaking occurs at a competent level, there is often an effort to control one another. Most, but not all, conflicts are resolved without complaints. Quick Study: Assessment Tests Page 12 of 12

o 41-60: While sometimes competent functioning does occur, dysfunctional relationship tend to be more dominant. There is a struggle to adapt to stress, decision-making is mostly incompetent, and communication is strained. o 21-40: The relational unit is generally dysfunctional and the needs of each family member are rarely met. Problems are not solved within the family unit and decision-making is incompetent. o 1-20: A level of dysfunction is too high to maintain contact and attachment within the family unit. There is limited communication, and personal responsibilities or individual needs are not met. Members may be a danger to one another. Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) How it s administered: The MCMI-III is a 175-true/false question self-report instrument, used only with adults. What it measures: The test is designed to assess DSM-IV related disorders on Axis I and Axis II. The test measures 14 personality scales (Schizoid, Avoidant, Depressive, Dependent, Histrionic, Narcissistic, Antisocial, Compulsive, Negativistic, Masochistic, Schizotypal, Borderline, and Paranoid), and 10 clinical syndrome scales (Anxiety, Somatoform, Bipolar: Manic, Dysthymia, Alcohol Dependence, Drug Dependence, PTSD, Thought Disorder, Major Depression, and Delusional Disorder). Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) How it s administered: The MMSE is a 10-minute questionnaire completed with an individual by a test administrator. The MMSE includes simple questions in a number of areas such as the time and place of the test, repeating lists of words, arithmetic, language use and comprehension, and basic motor skills. What it measures: The test is used to screen for cognitive impairments, commonly dementia. The test measures cognitive functions including memory, attention and calculation, language abilities, visuospatial ability, and orientation. Quick Study: Assessment Tests Page 13 of 13