When you see your eye doctor about your vision problem, they will run a series of tests on you - they will ask you to check or check your eyes for signs of infection. The results of these tests will help them make a diagnosis and give you the right treatment plan: glasses or just eye drops.
Likewise, psychologists and psychiatrists conduct tests to understand an individual's functioning and behavior to arrive at a diagnosis of mental health problems and corresponding treatment.
What is a psychological assessment?
A psychological assessment is a series of tests administered by psychologists to gather information about how people think, feel, behave, and react. The findings are used to develop a report about the individual's abilities and behavior (called a psychological report), which is then used as the basis for recommendations for individual treatment.
Psychological assessments and reports are also used in other areas - such as in young people's career planning or the job application process, to determine the extent to which an applicant is suitable for an open role.
The procedures used to create the assessment are:
- Interviews
- Observations
- Written assessments
- Consultations with other mental health professionals
- Formal psychological tests
Psychological assessments are also used in other fields such as:
- Education - to assess students' learning abilities and progress in the classroom
- Legal system – assessing a person’s mental health
What is a psychological test?
Psychological tests are used to measure different abilities of an individual, such as their abilities in specific areas, cognitive functions such as memory and spatial recognition, and even traits such as introversion. These tests are based on scientifically tested psychological theories.
Test formats can range from pencil and paper tasks to computer-based tasks. They include activities such as puzzle solving, drawing, logic problem solving, and memory games.
Some tests also use techniques designed to access the unconscious - called projective techniques. In these cases, the subject's responses are analyzed through psychological interpretation and more sophisticated algorithms than the non-projective techniques described above. For example, the Rorschach test, commonly known as the inkblot test, can provide insight into a person's personality and emotional functioning.
Psychological testing may also involve observing someone's interactions and behaviors. Based on the test results, inferences will be made about the individual's inherent abilities and potential.
What do psychological tests measure?
Psychological testing covers many different areas:
- Mental health assessment
A mental health assessment includes information about a person's medical history, family history, and current mental health status. This assessment helps determine if any mental health issues are present and determines diagnosis and treatment accordingly.
A psychologist or psychiatrist may begin making appointments for a mental health evaluation, which will allow them to properly diagnose and treat you.
- Adaptive Behavior Assessment
This measures a person's social and practical skills to determine how well they can function on a daily basis at home, school or work; and is often done in conjunction with cognitive testing.
For example, it can be used to assess a child's ability to socialize with other students at school.
- Aptitude test
Aptitude test measures a person's ability to perform different types of tasks. This is done to identify the areas in which their skills are strongest. Some people may be better at quantitative tasks that require mathematical and logical reasoning skills, some are better at languages, and some are better at creative thinking.
Occupational therapists use these tests to measure abilities and find out which careers or job roles a person may be suitable for. They may also be used by career counselors to guide people toward higher education in areas where they demonstrate high ability.
- Cognitive Tests
Cognitive tests measure a person's cognitive abilities - problem solving, reasoning, vocabulary, comprehension and memory.They are often called intelligence or IQ tests and are used in the educational field to determine a person's strengths and potential.
For example, children can be given cognitive tests to measure their abilities in different subjects; allowing educators to help children learn subjects in which they have difficulty.
- Education/Achievement Tests
Educational tests are conducted to test an individual's progress in learning a specific subject (e.g. mathematics, reading comprehension) to identify any difficulties they may be experiencing.
Achievement Test is an examination taken by students in schools and colleges.
- Forensic psychological testing
Forensic testing is used in the legal field to determine whether a suspect is capable of committing the crime for which they are accused. It includes cognitive, personality and neuropsychological tests.
- Neuropsychological Tests
Neuropsychological tests analyze the way an individual's brain works to identify any problems in its functioning.
For example, people with head injuries may have to undergo neuropsychological testing to examine their brain's ability to retain information.
- Personality Assessment
Personality tests focus on an individual’s personality traits. It helps assess whether a person is more introverted or extroverted, cautious or spontaneous, and how they react or respond to various life situations.
- Psychological test interpretation
Psychological tests should not be interpreted without the context of the person being tested (their environment, socioeconomic status, or physical health). While the test does use a scientifically validated scale, using its results as an independent standard can lead to misinterpretations .
For example, in the case of a blood test report - it is necessary for the doctor to read the information related to your symptoms and general physical health Relevant numbers to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
Again, it is important to note that although many of the psychological tests mentioned above are readily available on the Internet, taking the test without consulting a mental health professional may not provide an actual analysis of your personality, abilities, or behavior. In turn, this may mean not getting the help you need.
