Students

PSYN853 – Advanced Evidence-Based Neuropsychological Assessment

2018 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Jasmina Vrankovic
jasmina.vrankovic@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
AHH 3.745
By appointment
Course Convenor
Jennifer Batchelor
jennifer.batchelor@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
First Walk 522 (C3A522)
By appointment
Lecturer
Melanie Porter
melanie.porter@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
First Walk 508 (C3A508)
By appointment
Lecturer
Carolyn Schniering
carolyn.schniering@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MClinNeuro or DClinNeuro
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit provides an introduction to an evidence-based approach to neuropsychological assessment and familiarises students with the Wechsler scales that are commonly used in advanced 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 the Advanced Clinical Solutions that include tests of premorbid function, performance validity, reliable change and demographic adjustment that advance the use and interpretation of clinical assessment. To support the first supervised clinical placement, a structure for clinical interviewing and history taking is introduced; counselling and assessment skills are presented to use to support distressed and to assess suicidal clients.

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.
  • To develop skills in suicide and risk assessment

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, assignment, quiz 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, assignment, or quiz. 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
WAIS-IV Pass-out Examination 0% Yes 24th March 2018
WMS-IV Pass-out Examination 0% Yes 5th May 2018
WISC-V Pass-out Examination 0% Yes 26th May 2018
WAIS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam 20% No 19th March 2018
WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam1 20% No 26th March 2018
WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam2 20% No 9th April 2018
ACS Assignment 30% No 4th June 2018
Suicide & Risk Assessment Quiz 10% No 18th May 2018

WAIS-IV Pass-out Examination

Due: 24th March 2018
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

The pass-out examination involves the student administering the WAIS-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:
  • 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

WMS-IV Pass-out Examination

Due: 5th May 2018
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

The pass-out examination involves the student administering the WMS-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:
  • 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

WISC-V Pass-out Examination

Due: 26th May 2018
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

The pass-out examination involves the student administering the 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

WAIS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam

Due: 19th March 2018
Weighting: 20%

This is a take home scoring exercise based on the WAIS-IV. Details are available on iLearn. 
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

WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam1

Due: 26th March 2018
Weighting: 20%

This is a take home scoring exercise based on the WMS-IV BCSE. Details are available on iLearn.
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

WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam2

Due: 9th April 2018
Weighting: 20%

This is a take home scoring exercise based on the Logical Memory I, Visual Reproduction I, and Designs I subtests of the WMS-IV. Details are available on iLearn.
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

ACS Assignment

Due: 4th June 2018
Weighting: 30%

Students will complete an assignment using the Advanced Clinical Solutions (ACS) software. Further information will be provided following lectures on the ACS 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.

Suicide & Risk Assessment Quiz

Due: 18th May 2018
Weighting: 10%

This quiz is based on the Suicide and Risk Assessment workshop to be held on 18/05/2018. Students will complete the quiz after the workshop. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 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.
  • To develop skills in suicide and risk assessment

Delivery and Resources

Seminars

The unit is taught by seminar (12 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

Week

Date

Lecture Topic

Lecturer

1

26 Feb

Introduction to Psychological Assessment

Jasmina Vrankovic

2

05 Mar

WAIS-IV: Administration and Scoring

Jasmina Vrankovic

3

12 Mar

WAIS-IV: Clinical Interpretation

Jasmina Vrankovic

4

19 Mar

WMS-IV: Administration and Scoring

 

WAIS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam Due

 

WAIS-IV Pass-out on Saturday 24th March

Jasmina Vrankovic

5

26 Mar

WMS-IV: Clinical Interpretation

 

WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam BCSE Due

Jasmina Vrankovic

6

02 Apr

Easter Monday Public Holiday

7

09 Apr

Introduction to ACS: Premorbid IQ, Effort Measures, Reliable Change

 

WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam LM VR Designs Due

Jasmina Vrankovic

MID-SEMESTER BREAK

MID-SEMESTER BREAK

8

30 Apr

Application of ACS: Demographic Adjustments, Discrepancy Analysis, Case Example

 

WMS-IV Pass-out on Saturday 5th May

Jasmina Vrankovic

9

07 May

WISC-V: Administration

Melanie Porter

10

14 May

WISC-V: Scoring and Interpretation I

 

Suicide & Risk Assessment Workshop + Quiz on Friday 18th May

Melanie Porter

11

21 May

WISC-V: Scoring and Interpretation II

 

WISC-V Pass-out on Saturday 26th May

Melanie Porter

12

28 May

Interviewing and Counselling

Carolyn Schniering

13

04 Jun

The Clinical Interview and Overview of Report Writing

 

ACS Assignment Due

Jasmina Vrankovic

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

  • 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.
  • To develop skills in suicide and risk assessment

Assessment tasks

  • WAIS-IV Pass-out Examination
  • WMS-IV Pass-out Examination
  • WISC-V Pass-out Examination
  • ACS Assignment
  • Suicide & Risk Assessment Quiz

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.
  • To develop skills in suicide and risk assessment

Assessment tasks

  • WAIS-IV Pass-out Examination
  • WMS-IV Pass-out Examination
  • WISC-V Pass-out Examination
  • WAIS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam
  • WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam1
  • WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam2
  • ACS Assignment
  • Suicide & Risk Assessment Quiz

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.
  • To develop skills in suicide and risk assessment

Assessment tasks

  • WAIS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam
  • WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam1
  • WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam2
  • ACS Assignment
  • Suicide & Risk Assessment Quiz

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

  • WAIS-IV Pass-out Examination
  • WMS-IV Pass-out Examination
  • WISC-V Pass-out Examination
  • WAIS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam
  • WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam1
  • WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam2
  • ACS Assignment
  • Suicide & Risk Assessment Quiz

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.
  • To develop skills in suicide and risk assessment

Assessment tasks

  • WAIS-IV Pass-out Examination
  • WMS-IV Pass-out Examination
  • WISC-V Pass-out Examination
  • ACS Assignment
  • Suicide & Risk Assessment Quiz

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.
  • To develop skills in suicide and risk assessment

Assessment task

  • Suicide & Risk Assessment Quiz

Changes since First Published

Date Description
24/02/2018 Pass-outs marked as hurdle assessments as per recently approved change to assessment schedule.