Students
PSYP8902 – Psychological Assessment and Reports
2021 – Session 1, Intensive attendance, North Ryde
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Joanne Earl
Julie Boulis
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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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 used 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; 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 administration, scoring and interpretation 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:
- ULO1: Review the varied aspects of psychological test validity and assessment procedures, in line with current research and theory.
- ULO2: Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of administration, scoring and interpretation of the major psychological tests commonly used in psychological practice.
- ULO3: Explain the procedures involved in writing sound psychological assessment reports.
- ULO4: Recognise the cultural and diverse ethical issues and obstacles that arise when conducting psychological assessments and reporting results.
General Assessment Information
On iLearn you will find detailed descriptions of your assessment tasks including Rubrics and Gold Standards of reports prepared by other students.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAIS Live Skills Assessment | 40% | Yes | 21/04/2021 |
| Interpretive Report Case Study - 3000 words | 60% | Yes | 03/05/2021 |
WAIS Live Skills Assessment
Assessment Type 1: Clinical performance evaluation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 38 hours
Due: 21/04/2021
Weighting: 40%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
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.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of administration, scoring and interpretation of the major psychological tests commonly used in psychological practice.
Interpretive Report Case Study - 3000 words
Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 50 hours
Due: 03/05/2021
Weighting: 60%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
This assessment enables students to demonstrate minimum competency in psychology skills integral to writing interpretative reports.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Review the varied aspects of psychological test validity and assessment procedures, in line with current research and theory.
- 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.
- Recognise the cultural and diverse ethical issues and obstacles that arise when conducting psychological assessments and reporting results.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
If you have a laptop it is useful to bring it to class. You will be provided with a WAIS-IV kit in class to share between 3 people.
There are three texts that are recommended for this course:
For assistance in understanding the WAIS-IV
Lichtenberger, E.O. & Kaufman, A.S. (2013). Essentials of WAIS-IV Assessment. 2nd Edition. Wiley.
For assistance in understanding the PAI
Morey, L.C. (2003). Essentials of PAI Assessment. Wiley
For assistance with AHPRA style report writing
Pelling, N.J. & Burton, L.J. (2018). The elements of psychological case report writing in Australia. Taylor & Francis.
For AHPRA case reports
Psychology Board of Australia - Forms
Unit Schedule
The unit is comprised of lectures and workshops. All parts are compulsary and absence can only be covered by sick certificates. In all cases a special consideration request must be completed through this portal here Student Portal - Special consideration (mq.edu.au).
If more than one workshop per unit is missed, then the student is at risk of being excluded and university rules may apply. Make up tasks must be completed to pass.
Learning and Teaching Activities
Workshops – 1 Psychometrics, interviewing and report writing
Important considerations in test selection, how to conduct an intake interview and write case reports using the AHPRA guidelines (6 hrs)
Workshop – 2. Assessing intelligence
Learning how to administer and score the WAIS-IV
Workshop – 3. Personality Assessment
Scoring and interpreting the Personality Assessment Inventory
Workshop – 4. Measuring well-being and practising the WAIS-IV
Administering, scoring and interpreting the DASS and K10. Scoring the WAIS-IV and using results
Workshop - 5. Working with children, using the SCID and report writing 2
Scoring and interpreting the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, using the SCID for detailed diagnosis and differentiating great from good reports.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). 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
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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.
Unit information based on version 2021.01R of the Handbook