This course will discuss various approaches to the measurement of psychological constructs such as intelligence and personality. Topics covered will include ability tests (e.g., IQ tests), achievement tests (e.g., classroom assessments), and diagnostic clinical assessments (e.g., the draw-a-person test). Strengths and weaknesses associated with various methods of measurement (e.g., self-report vs. performance measures) will also be discussed. Special attention will be given to the criteria used to critically evaluate the psychometric quality of measurement instruments. Students will learn the steps necessary to develop psychometrically sound, practically useful, and legally defensible tests. |