Students
PSYN853 – Advanced Evidence-Based Neuropsychological Assessment
2019 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor & Lecturer
Jasmina Vrankovic
Contact via Email
Level 3 AHH
By appointment
Director, Clinical Neuropsychology
Jennifer Batchelor
Contact via Email
4 First Walk, Room 522
By appointment
Lecturer
Melanie Porter
Contact via Email
4 First Walk, Room 508
By appointment
Lecturer
Philippe Gilchrist
Contact via Email
4 First Walk, Room 705
By appointment
Jennifer Batchelor
|
|---|---|
| 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 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.
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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:
- To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practise 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
- To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring, and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
- 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
- To develop skills in responsible and ethical practise
General Assessment Information
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.
Consistent with the Assessment Policy, students who make a serious attempt at a Hurdle Assessment, but fail to meet minimum standards (i.e., pass the task) will be given a second opportunity to complete the task to the minimum standard. Students who fail to meet minimum standards on the second attempt will fail the unit. The maximum mark achieved after a second attempt is a pass (50%).
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAIS-IV Pass-out Examination | 0% | Yes | 23rd March 2019 |
| WMS-IV Pass-out Examination | 0% | Yes | 4th May 2019 |
| WISC-V Pass-out Examination | 0% | Yes | 25th May 2019 |
| WAIS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam | 15% | No | 18th March 2019 |
| WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam1 | 15% | No | 1st April 2019 |
| WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam2 | 15% | No | 8th April 2019 |
| ACS Assignment | 30% | No | 3rd June 2019 |
| Suicide & Risk Assessment Quiz | 10% | No | 5th April 2019 |
| Ethics Assignment | 15% | Yes | 31st May 2019 |
WAIS-IV Pass-out Examination
Due: 23rd March 2019
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:
- To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practise 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
- To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring, and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
WMS-IV Pass-out Examination
Due: 4th May 2019
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:
- To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practise 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
- To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring, and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
WISC-V Pass-out Examination
Due: 25th May 2019
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:
- To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practise 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
- To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring, and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
WAIS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam
Due: 18th March 2019
Weighting: 15%
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:
- To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practise 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
- To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring, and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam1
Due: 1st April 2019
Weighting: 15%
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:
- To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practise 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
- To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring, and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam2
Due: 8th April 2019
Weighting: 15%
This is a take home scoring exercise based on the WMS-IV. Details are available on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practise 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
- To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring, and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
ACS Assignment
Due: 3rd June 2019
Weighting: 30%
Students will complete an assignment using the Advanced Clinical Solutions (ACS) software. Details are available on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practise 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
- To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring, and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
- 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: 5th April 2019
Weighting: 10%
This quiz is based on the Suicide and Risk Assessment workshop to be held on 29/03/2019. Quiz details will be provided during the workshop. Students will complete the quiz online during the week following the workshop.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 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
- To develop skills in responsible and ethical practise
Ethics Assignment
Due: 31st May 2019
Weighting: 15%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
This is a 1000-word written assignment based on the Ethics Workshop held on 24/05/2019. Assignment details will be provided during the workshop. Students will submit the assignment online during the week following the workshop.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To develop skills in responsible and ethical practise
Delivery and Resources
Seminars
The unit is taught by seminar (13 x 3 hour seminars, Monday 2-5pm in 12 Second Way, Room 401), 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 seminars content. Due to the practical nature of the unit, any missed seminars are unable to be adequately compensated through the usual ways of listening 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. 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 (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, ruler, eraser, and pencils.
Online resources
Relevant journal articles are provided on iLearn for this unit.
Unit Schedule
|
Week |
Date |
Lecture Topic |
Lecturer |
|
1 |
25 Feb |
Introduction to Neuropsychological Assessment |
Dr Jasmina Vrankovic |
|
2 |
04 Mar |
WAIS-IV: Administration and Scoring |
Dr Jasmina Vrankovic |
|
3 |
11 Mar |
WAIS-IV: Clinical Interpretation
WAIS-IV Pass-out Workshop (Date TBC) |
Dr Jasmina Vrankovic |
|
4 |
18 Mar |
WAIS-IV: Revision & WMS-IV: Introduction
WAIS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam Due (bring to lecture)
WAIS-IV Pass-out (Saturday 23rd March) |
Dr Jasmina Vrankovic |
|
5 |
25 Mar |
WMS-IV: Administration and Scoring
Suicide & Risk Assessment Workshop (Friday 29th March) |
Dr Jasmina Vrankovic |
|
6 |
01 Apr |
WMS-IV: Clinical Interpretation
WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam 1 Due (bring to lecture)
Suicide & Risk Assessment Workshop Quiz Due (Friday 5thApril) |
Dr Jasmina Vrankovic |
|
7 |
08 Apr |
Advanced Clinical Solutions – Part 1
WMS-IV Take Home Scoring Exam 2 Due (bring to lecture) |
Dr Jasmina Vrankovic |
|
MID-SEMESTER BREAK |
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MID-SEMESTER BREAK |
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|
8 |
29 Apr |
Advanced Clinical Solutions – Part 2
WMS-IV Pass-out (Saturday 4th May) |
Dr Jasmina Vrankovic |
|
9 |
06 May |
WISC-V: Administration |
A/Prof Melanie Porter |
|
10 |
13 May |
WISC-V: Scoring and Interpretation I
|
A/Prof Melanie Porter |
|
11 |
20 May |
WISC-V: Scoring and Interpretation II
Ethics Workshop (Friday 24th May)
WISC-V Pass-out (Saturday 25thMay) |
A/Prof Melanie Porter |
|
12 |
27 May |
Interviewing and Counselling
Ethics Assignment Due (Friday 31stMay) |
Dr Philippe Gilchrist |
|
13 |
03 Jun |
The Clinical Interview and Overview of Report Writing
ACS Assignment Due (bring to lecture) |
Dr 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:
- 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
- To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practise 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
- To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring, and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
- 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
- To develop skills in responsible and ethical practise
Assessment tasks
- WAIS-IV Pass-out Examination
- WMS-IV Pass-out Examination
- WISC-V Pass-out Examination
- ACS Assignment
- Suicide & Risk Assessment Quiz
- Ethics Assignment
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
- To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practise 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
- To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring, and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
- 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
- To develop skills in responsible and ethical practise
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
- To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practise 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
- To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring, and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
- 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
- To develop skills in responsible and ethical practise
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
- Ethics Assignment
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
- To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practise 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
- To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring, and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
- 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 responsible and ethical practise
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
- Ethics Assignment
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
- To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practise 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
- To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring, and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
- 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
- To develop skills in responsible and ethical practise
Assessment tasks
- WAIS-IV Pass-out Examination
- WMS-IV Pass-out Examination
- WISC-V Pass-out Examination
- ACS Assignment
- Suicide & Risk Assessment Quiz
- Ethics Assignment
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
- To apply advanced neuropsychological knowledge to assessment in neuropsychological practise 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
- To demonstrate competence in administration, scoring, and advanced clinical interpretation of the Wechsler scales
- 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
- To develop skills in responsible and ethical practise
Assessment tasks
- Suicide & Risk Assessment Quiz
- Ethics Assignment