Psychological Tests
Psychologists often use psychological tests and other measures when conducting research. These measures come in a variety of forms, such as self-report questionnaires, interviews, and observational checklists. When carefully selected, measures enable researchers to make valid, reliable observations about behaviors and other variables of interest. However, when researchers use inappropriate measures, this can lead to inaccurate assessments of behavior and inappropriate decision-making. This puts the validity of the research study at risk. The problem is that there are so many options available when it comes to psychological measures. Researchers must carefully evaluate the qualitative and quantitative evidence available about the measure to ensure it is the best fit for the research context. For this Assignment, you will write a 4-6 page paper about choosing measures for psychological research. You will also identify and summarize a psychological measure that researchers in your specialization use when conducting research. Be sure to address the following: Part 1. Discuss the validity and reliability factors researchers should consider when choosing a measure. Differentiate between psychological measures with evidence of high validity and reliability versus low validity and reliability. Examine test-retest reliability, parallel-forms reliability, and split-half reliability. Analyze what it means for scores on a psychological measure to be accurate. Examine each of the following forms of validity: face, content, criterion-related, and construct validity. Discuss three or more ethical considerations that relate to choosing a psychological measure. Part 2. Identify and Describe a Psychological Measure Describe a psychological measure that researchers use in your specialization area. Describe the construct it measures. Describe the format of the measure. Examine strengths and limitations of the measure, given the qualitative and quantitative evidence available. Explore one way you could use this measure in a research setting. The Essay should: Utilize a minimum of three peer-reviewed sources outside of your textbook to support your paper. Follow Assignment directions (review grading rubric for best results). Use correct APA formatting per the current APA Publication Manual. Demonstrate college-level communication through the composition of original materials in Standard English. Be written in Standard English and be clear, specific, and error-free. Your paper should include: Title Page Main Body of the paper Reference Page 4-6 Pages in length Unit 4 Assignment Rubric % – Points Points Earned Differentiate between psychological measures with evidence of high validity and reliability versus low validity and reliability. 0-5 Examine test-retest reliability, parallel-forms reliability, and split-half reliability. Identify strengths and limitations of these approaches. 0-10 Analyze what it means for scores on a psychological measure to be accurate. Student examines each of the following forms of validity: face, content, criterion-related, and construct validity. Discuss at least three ethical considerations that relate to choosing a psychological measure. 0-15 Describe a psychological measure that researchers use in your specialization area. This description includes the construct associated with the measure and the format of the measure. Examine strengths and limitations of the measure, given the qualitative and quantitative evidence available. Explore one way you could use this measure in a research setting. 0-20 Cite a minimum of the textbook and three peer-reviewed journal articles. 0-6 Writing Structure: Clear thesis statement and summary paragraph, complete paragraphs, clear and logical organization throughout, and moves fluidly between sections. Primarily students own words with quotes used very sparingly; includes several references to support conclusions. 0-7 Mechanics: Uses correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and APA style with proper in-text citations, as well as a formal title and reference page. Free of typographical errors, double-spaced, and 4-6 pages in length (not including the cover page or reference page). 0-7 Total 0-70 An explanation of the points earned, as well as where the Assignment could be strengthened, will be included with your grade.
