TESTS AS DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS

A.     Basic Principles in the use of Diagnostic Tests

1.      Tests are samples of behavior. The results of the tests exemplify the behavior of examinees in nontesting conditions. Tests capture the behavior, though implied or indirect, of the examinees.

2.      Tests do not reveal traits or capacities directly. Most of the time, test examinees do not show the traits at the time they took the tests. However, we can infer the behavior of the examinees corroborated by administered tests and as evidenced by actual observations during an interview and validated statements from multiple sources.

3.      Psychological maladjustments selectively and differentially affect the test scores. As future psychologists, we must bear in mind that psychological maladjustments of our clients can be determined by psychometric properties of tests and inner states of projective tests. Thus, high scores in one dimension imply psychological maladjustment. For instance, a person with high scores on the aggressive dimension of a particular test means aggressiveness of that person. Of course, this inference should be validated by other tests as well as clinical interviews, observations, and statements from multiple sources.

4.      The Psychometric and projective approaches, although distinguishable, are mutually complementary.

Side notes:

It was observed from the past few years that some professors and even psychologists committed some errors in creating psychological reports. For example, some psychologists are using the common words such as “it tends to,” “it appears,” “it seems,” and other uncertain words. These statements imply that the practitioner is not sure of what has been stated in the psychological report. Moreover, it shows that the practitioner tries to play safe.

Using vague statements are detrimental to the client. It does not specifically address the problems or issues. According to the resource person, it has to be stopped. Since we already have licensure examination for Psychologist, our works should exemplify professionalism and excellence. We need to do our work, to validate the tests, to ascertain our statements, and to make an inference based on systematic procedures of psychological assessment such as clinical interviews (clinician and multiple sources), observations and psychological tests (tests that are complementary). We need to make categorical statements in our reports to address the problem.

To illustrate, he cited an example of a patient who visited his doctor to determine his illness. The doctor conducted series of tests to determine the problem. When the results came out, he provided an indefinite answer and said, “It seems that you have cancer based on the results.”  Hahaha. The point is, when you already follow the systematic procedure of psychological assessment, there is no room for us not to make a categorical statement.

B.      Criteria for Test Selection

1.      It must be relevant to the problem. You need to know the demographic profile of your client in order to conduct the appropriate tests and treatment. For example, we want to measure the cognitive ability of an individual. However, the person is unable to read and write. In this case, it is inappropriate to administer the verbal test to patients who are unable to read and write. It will be better to conduct the nonverbal test.

2.      Appropriate for the patient/client. The example mentioned above can also be applied.

3.      Familiar to the examiner. The examiner should be familiar and well-versed with the exams that he will administer.

4.      Adaptable to the time available. The examiner knows when and how to adjust the time in giving a test. He must consider the submission deadline of the psychological report so he can administer an appropriate test that is appropriate as well as within the range of the time frame for compliance. For example, you cannot administer and interpret the projective tests within the day and submit it on the same day. Always consider the time frame, relevance to the problem, and the appropriateness of the test.

5.      Valid and reliable. The psychologist follows the clinical scientist model. Psychologist uses scientific methods and bases their interpretation on empirical evidence. The tests should be valid (as supported by other related tests) and reliable (free from errors).

C.      Need for Battery Testing

1.      No single test proves to yield a diagnosis in all cases or to be in all cases correct in the diagnosis it indicates.

Note: Avoid administering too many examinations because it will be a source of error. 4-5 complementary tests will do. Make sure that there is sufficient clinical evidence.

2.      Psychological maladjustment whether mild or severe may encroach on any or several functions tapped by tests, leaving other functions absolutely or relatively impaired.

Note: One test will be limited; more test can help us determine if other areas of functioning are affected.