Students
PSYN853 – Psychological Assessment I
2014 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Susanne Meares
Contact via sue.meares@mq.edu.au
C3A510
By appointment
Melanie Porter
Contact via melanie.porter@mq.edu.au
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MClinNeuro or DClinNeuro
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides an introduction to psychological assessment and familiarises students with the Wechsler scales that are commonly used in neuropsychological practice. Detailed theoretical and clinical information is provided, as well as training in the administration and scoring of selected instruments. Tests covered include those typically employed to assess intellectual function and memory, and both adult and child assessment techniques are addressed. Students are introduced to tests of premorbid function and effort that are new additions to the Wechsler range. The assessment of special populations, such as individuals from a culturally and linguistically diverse background and individuals referred for the assessment of decision-making capacity, is discussed.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- To apply principles of psychological assessment in clinical practice through the: 1) standardised administration of psychological tests; 2) selection of psychometrically strong measures; 3) use of appropriate normative data, and 4) application of a hypothesis testing approach throughout the stages of an assessment
- To competently administer, score and interpret the Wechsler scales
- To identify the appropriate information from a patient's history and from the results of psychological tests to include in a neuropsychological report
- To identify the appropriate tests (and their administration) to use in an assessment with an individual who may have special needs, is from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Background, or is an Indigenous Australian
- To understand the legal principles that underpin a capacity assessment and their application in a neuropsychological assessment
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Pass-out Examinations | 0% | Dates TBA in Week 1 |
| Take home exams | 45% | Weeks 3,4,5 |
| Essay | 55% | Week 12 |
Pass-out Examinations
Due: Dates TBA in Week 1
Weighting: 0%
All students attend three individual pass-out examinations. Each session involves the student administering one of the three of the Wechsler Scales (WAIS-IV, WMS-IV, and WISC-IV) to an examiner who will assess their competency in test administration. Further details will be provided in class. The assessment is competency based (Satisfactory/Fail).
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To apply principles of psychological assessment in clinical practice through the: 1) standardised administration of psychological tests; 2) selection of psychometrically strong measures; 3) use of appropriate normative data, and 4) application of a hypothesis testing approach throughout the stages of an assessment
- To competently administer, score and interpret the Wechsler scales
Take home exams
Due: Weeks 3,4,5
Weighting: 45%
The take home exams are scoring exercises from the WAIS-IV and WMS-IV.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To apply principles of psychological assessment in clinical practice through the: 1) standardised administration of psychological tests; 2) selection of psychometrically strong measures; 3) use of appropriate normative data, and 4) application of a hypothesis testing approach throughout the stages of an assessment
- To competently administer, score and interpret the Wechsler scales
Essay
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 55%
As part of develping the students' specific knowledge of psychological assessment and to evaluate research skills students are asked to write an essay. The essay question is available in 'Assessment Details for this Unit' in iLearn PSYN853.
The penalty for late submission is a percentage of the maximum mark (5%) for every day late. The essay is worth 55% of the overall assessment for the Unit. If submitted one day late then (%%x55)=2.75, 2.75 marks are subtracted from whatever the student received for the assignment.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To apply principles of psychological assessment in clinical practice through the: 1) standardised administration of psychological tests; 2) selection of psychometrically strong measures; 3) use of appropriate normative data, and 4) application of a hypothesis testing approach throughout the stages of an assessment
- To competently administer, score and interpret the Wechsler scales
- To identify the appropriate information from a patient's history and from the results of psychological tests to include in a neuropsychological report
Delivery and Resources
Lectures
The unit is taught by lectures (13 x 3 hour lectures), with some lectures involving substantial practical content and interactive learning. Students are required to spend a significant period outside of class time completing assessment tasks and preparing for pass-out examinations.
*All students must pass the administration of the WAIS-IV, WMS-IV and WISC-IV. Successful completion of all pass-out examinations is a mandatory requirement of this unit. Competency in all practical components and achieving a minimum professional standard of a credit (65 - 74) grade in the coursework is required to obtain an overall pass in this unit.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend and participate in all lectures. Late attendances are disruptive to all participants, and compromise the late student's full participation in the lecture content. Due to the practical nature of the unit any missed sessions are unable to be adequately compensated through the usual ways of listenting to audio recordings, reading and discussion with fellow students. If there are exceptional circumstances where you will be late or a session must be missed this needs to be discussed with the unit convenor beforehand.
Required texts
Crowe, S.R., (2010). Evidence of Absence: A guide to Cognitive Assessment in Australia. Queensland, Australia: Australian Academic Press.
Lezak, M. D., Howieson, D. B., Bigler, E.D., & Tranel, D. (2012). Neuropsychological Assessment. Fifth Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Recommended texts
Drozdick, L.W., Holdnack, J.A., & Hilsabeck, R.C., (2011). Essentials of WMS-IV Assessment. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Lichtenberger, E.O., & Kaufman, A.S., (2009). Essentials of WAIS-IV Assessment. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Strauss, E., Sherman, E.M.S., & Spreen O. (2006). A Compendium of Neuropsychological Tests: Administration, Norms, and Commentary. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Required Equipment
Stopwatch, clipboard, protractor, ruler, eraser, and pencils.
Online resources
Relevent journal articles are provided in iLearn for this unit.
Unit Schedule
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Week |
Content |
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1 |
Introduction to Psychological Assessment |
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2 |
Overview and Introduction to the WAIS-IV, Administration and Scoring |
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3 |
Clinical interpretation of the WAIS-IV Take home exam: Scoring exercise |
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4 |
Introduction to the WMS-IV: Subtests and Index Scores: Administration and Scoring Take home exam: Scoring exercise WAIS-IV PASS-OUT |
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5 |
Clinical Interpretation of the WMS-IV Take home exam: Scoring exercise |
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6 |
Introduction to Advanced Clinical Solutions: Premorbid IQ, Effort Measures, Demographic Adjustments, Reliable Change |
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SEMESTER BREAK |
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7 |
History taking and Report writing WMS-IV PASS-OUT |
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8 |
Paediatric Assessment |
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9 |
WISC-IV Lecture |
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10 |
WISC-IV Practical |
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11 |
Assessing the individual with special needs WISC-IV PASS-OUT |
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12 |
Assessment of the culturally and linguistically diverse patient Guest Lecturer: Dr Alexandra Walker |
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13 |
Submission of Essay Assessment of decision making capacity Guest Lecturer: Dr Alexandra Walker |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To apply principles of psychological assessment in clinical practice through the: 1) standardised administration of psychological tests; 2) selection of psychometrically strong measures; 3) use of appropriate normative data, and 4) application of a hypothesis testing approach throughout the stages of an assessment
- To competently administer, score and interpret the Wechsler scales
- To identify the appropriate information from a patient's history and from the results of psychological tests to include in a neuropsychological report
- To identify the appropriate tests (and their administration) to use in an assessment with an individual who may have special needs, is from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Background, or is an Indigenous Australian
- To understand the legal principles that underpin a capacity assessment and their application in a neuropsychological assessment
Assessment tasks
- Pass-out Examinations
- Take home exams
- Essay
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To apply principles of psychological assessment in clinical practice through the: 1) standardised administration of psychological tests; 2) selection of psychometrically strong measures; 3) use of appropriate normative data, and 4) application of a hypothesis testing approach throughout the stages of an assessment
- To competently administer, score and interpret the Wechsler scales
- To identify the appropriate information from a patient's history and from the results of psychological tests to include in a neuropsychological report
- To identify the appropriate tests (and their administration) to use in an assessment with an individual who may have special needs, is from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Background, or is an Indigenous Australian
- To understand the legal principles that underpin a capacity assessment and their application in a neuropsychological assessment
Assessment task
- Pass-out Examinations
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To apply principles of psychological assessment in clinical practice through the: 1) standardised administration of psychological tests; 2) selection of psychometrically strong measures; 3) use of appropriate normative data, and 4) application of a hypothesis testing approach throughout the stages of an assessment
- To competently administer, score and interpret the Wechsler scales
- To identify the appropriate information from a patient's history and from the results of psychological tests to include in a neuropsychological report
- To identify the appropriate tests (and their administration) to use in an assessment with an individual who may have special needs, is from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Background, or is an Indigenous Australian
- To understand the legal principles that underpin a capacity assessment and their application in a neuropsychological assessment
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To apply principles of psychological assessment in clinical practice through the: 1) standardised administration of psychological tests; 2) selection of psychometrically strong measures; 3) use of appropriate normative data, and 4) application of a hypothesis testing approach throughout the stages of an assessment
- To competently administer, score and interpret the Wechsler scales
- To identify the appropriate information from a patient's history and from the results of psychological tests to include in a neuropsychological report
- To identify the appropriate tests (and their administration) to use in an assessment with an individual who may have special needs, is from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Background, or is an Indigenous Australian
- To understand the legal principles that underpin a capacity assessment and their application in a neuropsychological assessment
Assessment task
- Pass-out Examinations
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To apply principles of psychological assessment in clinical practice through the: 1) standardised administration of psychological tests; 2) selection of psychometrically strong measures; 3) use of appropriate normative data, and 4) application of a hypothesis testing approach throughout the stages of an assessment
- To competently administer, score and interpret the Wechsler scales
- To identify the appropriate information from a patient's history and from the results of psychological tests to include in a neuropsychological report
- To identify the appropriate tests (and their administration) to use in an assessment with an individual who may have special needs, is from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Background, or is an Indigenous Australian
- To understand the legal principles that underpin a capacity assessment and their application in a neuropsychological assessment
Assessment task
- Pass-out Examinations
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To apply principles of psychological assessment in clinical practice through the: 1) standardised administration of psychological tests; 2) selection of psychometrically strong measures; 3) use of appropriate normative data, and 4) application of a hypothesis testing approach throughout the stages of an assessment
- To competently administer, score and interpret the Wechsler scales
- To identify the appropriate information from a patient's history and from the results of psychological tests to include in a neuropsychological report
- To identify the appropriate tests (and their administration) to use in an assessment with an individual who may have special needs, is from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Background, or is an Indigenous Australian
- To understand the legal principles that underpin a capacity assessment and their application in a neuropsychological assessment
Assessment task
- Pass-out Examinations