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Psychometrics is one of applied psychology’s greatest successes, with millions of psychometric tests being taken across the world each year. Modern psychometrics draws on over 100 years of research, development and theory, and tests are used by psychologists and other practitioners in areas including occupational, educational, health and sports psychology.
This workshop, designed for delegates from any discipline, will introduce the psychometric approach to measurement and the defining characteristics of tests and other assessments that are said to be ‘psychometric’. Psychometric assessments will be contrasted with other forms of assessment, and their advantages and limitations explored. Delegates will also be given an overview of the theory underlying the development of psychometrics and the stages involved in test development. Technical aspects of tests such as reliability, validity and standardisation will be introduced and used to illustrate the benefits of the psychometrics approach to measurement. Throughout the day there will be practical illustrations of how psychometrics can be applied, with the facilitators drawing on their own experience as practising psychologists who regularly use tests as part of their work.
For many decades controversy has surround the use of psychometric tests and this continues today. One of the most significant controversies is the claim that psychometric testing is inherently biased, and the workshop will summarise key evidence in the debate on bias in psychometrics. It will also compare psychometric tests with other forms of assessment showing how, when used sensitively, psychometric tests are one of the most efficient and effective methods of assessment available.
The British Psychological Society is a leader in the development of test user qualifications, and their approach has had a very significant influence on recent developments across Europe. Delegates will be introduced to the Society’s approach to test standards and the range of training courses they accredit, and understand how training relates to other Society activities such as their publication of independent test reviews.
The workshop will include a mix of taught and practical sessions, as well as opportunities to discuss points with fellow delegates and the facilitators. No previous knowledge or experience will be assumed, as the workshop is intended to provide an informative and stimulating introduction to anyone who wants to find out more about psychometrics.
Please note that as this is not a qualifying workshop, attendance will not give delegates access to any psychometric tests they do not already have access to.
Learning outcomes and objectives:
- Understand the psychometric approach to measurement and how this differs from other approaches
- Appreciate key principles of psychometric assessment, including reliability, validity and standardisation
- Explore how psychometrics are applied in different areas of psychology
- Recognise some of the main controversies and benefits around psychometric testing
- Have an overview of best practice in the use of psychometrics and the Society’s approach to training test users
Psychological theory underpinning the workshop:
This workshop draws on a range of psychological theories and models, but most notably Classical Test Theory which is the model that underpins many psychometric tests (e.g. Nunally, 1978). Within this framework, significant concepts such as reliability (e.g. Cronbach, 1951) and validity (e.g. Messick, 1989) will be explored. Discussions of characteristics commonly measured by psychometric tests such as ability and personality will also introduce delegates to models of intelligence (e.g. Spearman, 1927; Carroll, 1993), and more recent controversies in this area (e.g. Gardner, 1983; Sternberg, 1988), and models of personality (e.g . Allport, 1936; Tupes and Christal, 1961).
Facilitator: Angus McDonald
Angus has worked in the area of psychometrics and psychological assessment for 15 years. He is the author of numerous published psychometric tests and questionnaires, as well as articles and best-practice guides on testing and assessment. An experienced trainer, Angus has trained people in the assessment and application of measures of ability, attainment and personality as part of the Society’s Occupational and Educational testing qualifications. He has also worked on the development for tests and assessment processes for clients across the public and private sectors. Angus is committed to promoting excellence and best practice in the use of psychometric assessments, being a member of the Society’s Steering Committee on Test Standards, the Senior Verifier for the Society’s Level A qualification in Occupational Testing and a member of the test review panel.
Facilitator: Alan Macgregor
Alan has been a chartered psychologist for 18 years. He was Principal Psychologist in Kent from 1997 to 2002 leading a team of over 50 psychologists, subsequently set up his own consultancy and then in 2004 established Real Training. Alan delivers a British Psychological Society Level A course throughout the UK and Internationally (Singapore and Barbados) and is the British Psychological Society Senior Verifier for Educational Level A. He continues to act as occasional consultant to the University of Sussex and undertakes some private assessment work to keep his skills up to date. Furthermore, Alan sits on the board of trustees of SEI, an educational charity which promotes creativity and innovation.
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