An Advantage of the Individual Test - Assignment Example

42 TM Assignment Individual vs. Group Administered Tests There are many different types of tests that are administered and they are basically designed to test or assess certain aspects of an individual or group. According to Gregory (1996), individual tests are constructed in such a way that they are administered to individuals. An advantage of the individual test is that "the examiner can gauge the level of motivation of the subject and assess the relevance of other factors" (Gregory, p. 37). This suggests that individual tests may be easier to monitor than group tests becues there is only one person to watch. Some tests are created to be given to others but some individual tests focus on one element. As an example, an aptitude test can be administered to test several aptitudes at once or to zero in on only one aptitude. Many industries use aptitude tests to predict whether someone will be successful in a job, a certain career or in a specific educational environment. Group tests in contrast are usually constructed so that they can be administered to small or large groups. Many career tests are geared that way. The military uses a variety of group tests to see whether potential candidates have the aptitude to be in the military. Most K012 classrooms today have to administer a standardized group test that measures the learning of their students in the classroom. These are usually done on a quarterly basis or twice a year. Many personality tests can be used as both group and individual tests. As an example, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality test can be administered for individuals as well as for groups. Both individual and group tests can be standardized and they both measure the same types of things. When taking an individual or group test, it is important that the test takers understand what the test can and cannot do. Some tests will measure something specific while other sill measure several items at once. The textbook also suggests that test takers must understand that test results do not represent something tangible, but something that is abstract (Gregory, 1996). Also, test takers and administrators must understand that they are not the "ends in themselves" (Gregory, p. 35). They must be used to test what may happen in the future, but they cannot predict exactly how an individual or group will exactly perform. When administering group tests, it would be important for the test giver to be very organized and familiar with the test instructions. Although participants may be able to read the information for themselves, the administrator must be able to read the instructions in a clear manner and answer any questions that may occur. An individual test is administered to one person alone and the instructions must be clear as well, but there is less chance of a misunderstanding of the directions. There can be several factors that influence the results of the tests. AS an example, some people experience test anxiety when they are faced with taking a standardized test. This may determine how well they do on it. Another factor that can cause a problem is when the proctor is unclear of their duties or unclear in their interpretation of the directions. This factor can determine how well a group or individual does on a test. The temperature in the room must be kept balanced and it should be free of any distractions. As an example, if the room is too hot or too cold, it could become uncomfortable for the test takers. If construction is happening inside or outside the building during the test, this could compromise concentration for those who are taking the test. Assignment 2 This post makes a good point about how the administration of a test is as important as the test itself. The post points out that there are many factors that can influence how a test is interpreted by the test takers and it will determine how well an individual does on the test. Keeping these factors in mind, this makes me wonder what psychologists can actually receiver from the tests. As an example, when tests are administered under adverse conditions, I wonder if they are rally accurate for the performance of the individual or the group. When the testing is for a job or an education pursuit, is it something that is fair to the individual if there were factors beyond their control that decreased their test results? I wonder whether we can really understand the total aspects of the testing for an individuals needs. As an example, some people take the news of failing a test well, while others see it as a failure within themselves. The news of failing could be devastating to others. If the test environment was uncontrolled, how would this affect the individual or group? As stated in the post, the example of the poor proctor in the group made me wonder how often this happens and what the ramifications are for those getting testing. The textbook suggests that studies have been done to see whether the examiner can influence the outcome of testing based on their gender. The researchers found that generally, "sex, experience and race of the examiner make little, if any difference" (Gregory, p. 57). However, the text also says that this may not be the case across the board for every situation. I would think that these tests can only act as one measure of anyones abilities and other factors must also be taken into consideration. Assignment 3 There are many psychological tests to choose from when a psychologist or counselor wants to find out information about a client. The tests that I would most likely use would be 1) aptitude tests, 2) personality tests, and 3) interest inventories. Personality tests measure an individuals "Traits, qualities or behaviors" (Gregory, 1996, p. 38) that help define their individuality. Although many people share some of the same personality traits, each individual has a uniqueness on those traits. Interest inventories go hand in hand with personality tests especially when a client wants to define a career. These measure the various preferences a client has for certain topics or certain activities often, these help an individual narrow down choices for a career or educational program. Aptitude tests can come in a variety of formats and they measure whether an individual has a capability of doing a specific task or a "Type of skill" (Gregory, p. 38). Gregory says that these are a small version of ability tests. All of these tests could be used in career assessment to give the client a myriad of careers to examine from various perspectives. Within the process of career, an individual must have enough information so they can thoroughly research what may become their lifes work. These tests can also be used within an educational setting to help individuals understand which topics they will do well in and which ones may be difficult for them. This could help students understand when they may need tutoring or extra help in a subject. These tests could also be used in employment situations. They could help employees and employers understand each other better. Understanding employees strengths, personalities and interests could strengthen employees in specific areas and match their strengths with certain tasks in the company. Assignment 4 I think it can be difficult to discuss a challenge that we have and in this case the post is very personal. This made me wonder again about clients and how takig this type of testing would affect them. In this post, you stated that you were diagnosed with a personality disorder. Although the testing that you took was relevant in a sense to the question. I am wondering how it relates to the class. I am also wondering how this testing has helped you or hindered you in your progress through life and through school. Do you think these tests are relevant to you personally or just a diagnosis that was put on you? Sometimes I think that behavioral testing is over rated because it is based on "observed, self-reporting, ratings by parents…" (Gregory, 2007, p. 10) and others. These observations are generally not subjective because they are based on the perceptions that others have of the individual. The observations could include labeling of a "problem" for the individual that can follow them throughout their life. This thought brings me back to your diagnosis of the personality disorder. I wonder whether this has left you with a stigma or whether you feel that this "label" has helped you in some way. References Gregory, R. J. (2005). Psychological Testing: History, principles, and applications. NY: McGraw Hill. Read More