Students

PSYP902 – Psychological Assessment and Reports

2018 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Joanne Earl
Julie Boulis
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MProfPsych
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit examines the theory and practice of test use in professional psychology. The unit teaches key aspects of the administration, scoring and interpretation of a broad range of tests likely to be utilised in professional psychology practice, including: child and adult intelligence tests; achievement tests; certain neuropsychological tests; adaptive behaviour tests; personality tests; and tests of emotional well-being, general psychological distress, and psycho-social functioning. Students are instructed in the writing of reports in which the results of test data have to be communicated. Issues involved in the testing of special populations, such as individuals with brain injury are considered and practical experience in managing these issues is provided through live skills assessment. Issues of cross-cultural assessment and culture fair testing are also considered, along with practical considerations relating to the use of tests in different practice settings, including private practice.

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:

  • Summarise the current research and theory in the field of clinical assessment and psycho-metrics
  • Review the varied aspects of psychological test validity and assessment procedures
  • Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of administration, scoring and interpretation of the major psychological tests commonly used in psychological practice
  • Generate multiple forms of assessment data
  • Explain the procedures involved in writing sound psychological assessment reports
  • Recognise the cultural and diverse ethical issues and obstacles that arise when conducting psychological assessments and reporting results

General Assessment Information

A suicide risk assessment workshop attendance on Friday 18th May is mandatory. This will be held in the Hearing Hub Level 1.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
WAIS Live Skills Assessment 40% No TBA
Psychological Assessment 60% Yes TBA

WAIS Live Skills Assessment

Due: TBA
Weighting: 40%

Live skills demonstration of WAIS administration and response recording.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Review the varied aspects of psychological test validity and assessment procedures
  • Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of administration, scoring and interpretation of the major psychological tests commonly used in psychological practice
  • Generate multiple forms of assessment data
  • Recognise the cultural and diverse ethical issues and obstacles that arise when conducting psychological assessments and reporting results

Psychological Assessment

Due: TBA
Weighting: 60%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

Interpretive Report Case Study 3000 words

This is a hurdle assessment. This assesment enables students to demonstrate minimum competency in psychology skills integral to writing interpretative reports. Writing an interpretative report will enable students to demonstrate fitness to practice as a psychologist in terms of conducting core skills necessary to develop case formulation. This is an essesntial skill that all students need to demonstrate prior to thier first placement. Consistent with the Assessment Policy, students who make a serious attempt, but fail to meet minimum standards will be given a second opportunity to complete the task to the minimum standard. The minimum standards will be defined as at least a Functional level in a rubric that will be made available to students and will be based on standards required by APAC. Students who fail to meet the minimum standards on the second attempt will fail the unit. For those who pass the second attempt, a maximum mark of 50% (PASS) will be given for the PSYP902 Psychological Assessment and Reports, Interpretive Report Assessment, Case study.

 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Summarise the current research and theory in the field of clinical assessment and psycho-metrics
  • Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of administration, scoring and interpretation of the major psychological tests commonly used in psychological practice
  • Generate multiple forms of assessment data
  • Explain the procedures involved in writing sound psychological assessment reports
  • Recognise the cultural and diverse ethical issues and obstacles that arise when conducting psychological assessments and reporting results

Delivery and Resources

The unit is comprised of lectures and workshops. 

Lectures: 3 x 3 hour lecture on Wednesday

2 x 3 hour lecture on Saturday

Workshops: 3 x 3 hour workshop on Wednesday

2 x 3 hour workshop on Saturday

If one or more workshops per unit is missed, then the student is at risk of being excluded and university rules may apply.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Intelligence 1

Psychometric and WAIS IV administration

Intelligence 2

Test Administration and Interpretation

Reports/WMS/Culture

Using culturally appropriate assessments and Working memory scales with report writing

Assessment Children

Child testing/Report Writing (+ 3hrs small group supervision)

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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

  • Summarise the current research and theory in the field of clinical assessment and psycho-metrics
  • Review the varied aspects of psychological test validity and assessment procedures
  • Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of administration, scoring and interpretation of the major psychological tests commonly used in psychological practice
  • Generate multiple forms of assessment data
  • Explain the procedures involved in writing sound psychological assessment reports
  • Recognise the cultural and diverse ethical issues and obstacles that arise when conducting psychological assessments and reporting results

Assessment tasks

  • WAIS Live Skills Assessment
  • Psychological Assessment

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

  • Summarise the current research and theory in the field of clinical assessment and psycho-metrics
  • Review the varied aspects of psychological test validity and assessment procedures
  • Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of administration, scoring and interpretation of the major psychological tests commonly used in psychological practice
  • Generate multiple forms of assessment data
  • Explain the procedures involved in writing sound psychological assessment reports
  • Recognise the cultural and diverse ethical issues and obstacles that arise when conducting psychological assessments and reporting results

Assessment tasks

  • WAIS Live Skills Assessment
  • Psychological Assessment

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

  • Summarise the current research and theory in the field of clinical assessment and psycho-metrics
  • Review the varied aspects of psychological test validity and assessment procedures
  • Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of administration, scoring and interpretation of the major psychological tests commonly used in psychological practice
  • Generate multiple forms of assessment data
  • Explain the procedures involved in writing sound psychological assessment reports

Assessment tasks

  • WAIS Live Skills Assessment
  • Psychological Assessment

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

  • Summarise the current research and theory in the field of clinical assessment and psycho-metrics
  • Review the varied aspects of psychological test validity and assessment procedures
  • Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of administration, scoring and interpretation of the major psychological tests commonly used in psychological practice
  • Explain the procedures involved in writing sound psychological assessment reports

Assessment tasks

  • WAIS Live Skills Assessment
  • Psychological 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

  • Summarise the current research and theory in the field of clinical assessment and psycho-metrics
  • Review the varied aspects of psychological test validity and assessment procedures
  • Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of administration, scoring and interpretation of the major psychological tests commonly used in psychological practice
  • Generate multiple forms of assessment data
  • Recognise the cultural and diverse ethical issues and obstacles that arise when conducting psychological assessments and reporting results

Assessment tasks

  • WAIS Live Skills Assessment
  • Psychological Assessment

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

  • Summarise the current research and theory in the field of clinical assessment and psycho-metrics
  • Review the varied aspects of psychological test validity and assessment procedures
  • Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of administration, scoring and interpretation of the major psychological tests commonly used in psychological practice
  • Recognise the cultural and diverse ethical issues and obstacles that arise when conducting psychological assessments and reporting results

Assessment tasks

  • WAIS Live Skills Assessment
  • Psychological Assessment

Changes since First Published

Date Description
19/02/2018 Overview of Assessment
13/12/2017 student is at risk
12/12/2017 A suicide risk assessment workshop attendance on Friday 18th May is mandatory. This will be held in the Hearing Hub Level 1.