Students
PSYN853 – Psychological Assessment I
2017 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Melanie Porter
Contact via melanie.porter@mq.edu.au
Lecturer
Jane Southwell
Jasmina Vrankovic
Jennifer Batchelor
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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 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:
- 1. To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practice through: a) A standardised administration of neuropsychological tests b) An understanding and application of psychometrically strong measures c) An understanding of the use of base rates in clinical interpretation d) An understanding of a flexible hypothesis testing approach to advanced neuropsychological assessment
- 2. To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
- 3. To be able to apply a structure to clinical interviewing/ taking a history from clients and obtaining collateral information to write a neuropsychological report.
General Assessment Information
All students must pass the administration of the WAIS-IV, WMS-IV and WISC-V. Successful completion of all pass-out examinations, take-home scoring exams, and discrepancy analysis is a mandatory requirement of this unit. Competency (defined as 'fitness to practice' at a first clinical placement level) in all practical components and achieving a minimum professional standard of a pass grade is required to obtain an overall pass in this unit. A student is given a second attempt if they fail on their first attempt at a pass-out administration, a take-home scoring exam. or on the discrepancy analysis.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass-out Examinations | 0% | No | Dates TBA in Week 1 |
| Take home exams | 60% | No | Weeks 3,4,5 |
| Discrepancy Analysis | 40% | No | Week 13 |
Pass-out Examinations
Due: Dates TBA in Week 1
Weighting: 0%
Each student attends 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-V) 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:
- 1. To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practice through: a) A standardised administration of neuropsychological tests b) An understanding and application of psychometrically strong measures c) An understanding of the use of base rates in clinical interpretation d) An understanding of a flexible hypothesis testing approach to advanced neuropsychological assessment
- 2. To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
Take home exams
Due: Weeks 3,4,5
Weighting: 60%
The take home exams are scoring exercises from the WAIS-IV and WMS-IV.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 2. To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
Discrepancy Analysis
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 40%
Students will complete a discrepancy analysis assignment using the Advanced Clinical Solutions software.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 1. To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practice through: a) A standardised administration of neuropsychological tests b) An understanding and application of psychometrically strong measures c) An understanding of the use of base rates in clinical interpretation d) An understanding of a flexible hypothesis testing approach to advanced neuropsychological assessment
- 2. To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
- 3. To be able to apply a structure to clinical interviewing/ taking a history from clients and obtaining collateral information to write a neuropsychological report.
Delivery and Resources
Seminars
The unit is taught by seminar (13 x 3 hour seminars), with some seminars 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.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend and participate in all seminars. 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 this needs to be discussed with the unit convenor beforehand. This is considered good etiquette in a professional context. A late attendance may be regarded as a missed seminar (i.e., 25 mins late for an hour class). A disruption to studies request must be submitted to the unit convenor through www.mq.edu.au if a class is missed.
Required texts (Held In Reserve in the Test Library)
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 also Held in Reserve in the Test Library
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 Dr Sue Meares |
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2 |
Overview and Introduction to the WAIS-IV, Administration and Scoring Dr Sue Meares |
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3 |
Clinical interpretation of the WAIS-IV Dr Sue Meares Take home exam: Scoring exercise |
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4 |
Introduction to the WMS-IV: Subtests and Index Scores: Administration and Scoring Dr Sue Meares Take home exam: Scoring exercise |
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5 |
Clinical Interpretation of the WMS-IV Dr Sue Meares Take home exam: Scoring exercise WAIS-IV PASS-OUT |
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6 |
Introduction to the Advanced Clinical Solutions: Premorbid IQ, Effort Measures, Reliable Change Dr Sue Meares |
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7 |
Application of the Advanced Clinical Solutions: Demographic Adjustments, Discrepancy Analysis, Case Example Dr Sue Meares SEMESTER BREAK |
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8 |
WISC-V: Administration A/Prof Mel Porter WMS-IV PASSOUT |
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9 |
WISC-V: Scoring and Interpretation I A/Prof Mel Porter |
| 10 |
WISC-V: Scoring and Interpretation II A/Prof Mel Porter |
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11 |
The Clinical Interview and An Overview of Report Writing Dr Sue Meares WISC-V PASS-OUT |
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12 |
Interviewing and Counselling Guest Lecturer: Jane Southwell |
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13 |
Submission of Advanced Clinical Solutions Discrepency Analysis Assignment Assessment of Suicide Dr Sue Meares |
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_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
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/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
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
- 1. To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practice through: a) A standardised administration of neuropsychological tests b) An understanding and application of psychometrically strong measures c) An understanding of the use of base rates in clinical interpretation d) An understanding of a flexible hypothesis testing approach to advanced neuropsychological assessment
- 2. To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
- 3. To be able to apply a structure to clinical interviewing/ taking a history from clients and obtaining collateral information to write a neuropsychological report.
Assessment tasks
- Pass-out Examinations
- Take home exams
- Discrepancy Analysis
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
- 1. To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practice through: a) A standardised administration of neuropsychological tests b) An understanding and application of psychometrically strong measures c) An understanding of the use of base rates in clinical interpretation d) An understanding of a flexible hypothesis testing approach to advanced neuropsychological assessment
- 2. To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
- 3. To be able to apply a structure to clinical interviewing/ taking a history from clients and obtaining collateral information to write a neuropsychological report.
Assessment tasks
- Pass-out Examinations
- Take home exams
- Discrepancy Analysis
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
- 1. To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practice through: a) A standardised administration of neuropsychological tests b) An understanding and application of psychometrically strong measures c) An understanding of the use of base rates in clinical interpretation d) An understanding of a flexible hypothesis testing approach to advanced neuropsychological assessment
- 2. To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
- 3. To be able to apply a structure to clinical interviewing/ taking a history from clients and obtaining collateral information to write a neuropsychological report.
Assessment tasks
- Pass-out Examinations
- Take home exams
- Discrepancy Analysis
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
- 1. To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practice through: a) A standardised administration of neuropsychological tests b) An understanding and application of psychometrically strong measures c) An understanding of the use of base rates in clinical interpretation d) An understanding of a flexible hypothesis testing approach to advanced neuropsychological assessment
- 2. To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
- 3. To be able to apply a structure to clinical interviewing/ taking a history from clients and obtaining collateral information to write a neuropsychological report.
Assessment tasks
- Pass-out Examinations
- Take home exams
- Discrepancy Analysis
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
- 1. To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practice through: a) A standardised administration of neuropsychological tests b) An understanding and application of psychometrically strong measures c) An understanding of the use of base rates in clinical interpretation d) An understanding of a flexible hypothesis testing approach to advanced neuropsychological assessment
- 2. To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
- 3. To be able to apply a structure to clinical interviewing/ taking a history from clients and obtaining collateral information to write a neuropsychological report.
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
- 1. To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practice through: a) A standardised administration of neuropsychological tests b) An understanding and application of psychometrically strong measures c) An understanding of the use of base rates in clinical interpretation d) An understanding of a flexible hypothesis testing approach to advanced neuropsychological assessment
- 2. To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
- 3. To be able to apply a structure to clinical interviewing/ taking a history from clients and obtaining collateral information to write a neuropsychological report.
Assessment tasks
- Pass-out Examinations
- Take home exams
- Discrepancy Analysis
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 16/02/2017 | Changes to the published version included moving the content on Assessment from 'Delivery and Resources' to 'General Assessment Information' and to indicate 'A student is given a second attempt if they fail on their first attempt at a pass-out administration, a take-home scoring exam, or on the discrepancy analysis. |