Students
PSYP902 – Psychological Assessment and Reports
2019 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Joanne Earl
Julie Boulis
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MProfPsych
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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 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.
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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:
- Summarise the current research and theory in the field of 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 15th March is mandatory. This will be held in the Hearing Hub Level 1.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAIS Live Skills Assessment | 40% | No | March 27 |
| Psychological Assessment | 60% | Yes | April 5th |
WAIS Live Skills Assessment
Due: March 27
Weighting: 40%
Live skills demonstration of WAIS administration and response recording. You will be assessed on your ability to administer, score and interpret the results of a WAIS subtest.
You are directed to the following article that contains a checklist for WAIS administration: Roberts, R.M. & Davis, M.C. (2015). Assessment of a model for achieving competency in administration and scoring of the WAIS-IV in post-graduate psychology students. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, Article Number 641.
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: April 5th
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 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
Psychometrics and Personality Assessment
Measuring Intelligence
Report Writing, Measures of Well-Being and use of the SCID
Assessing Children and Practising WAIS administration
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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
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 published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 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 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 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 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 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 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