PSYC3001

Advanced Psychological Measurement

Faculty of Science and Information Technology School of Psychology

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Available in 2013

Callaghan Campus	Semester 2
Ourimbah	Semester 2

Previously offered in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005

Forms part of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council's accredited sequence

It examines the theory and practice underlying the design and construction of psychological tests (ability and personality), questionnaires and interviews. A variety of testing materials,
questionnaires and interview types are introduced in lectures, and also in practical sessions
that provide basic training in their design, construction, administration and interpretation.

Objectives

The main objectives of the course are to:

1. provide a knowledge of a range of testing and interviewing methods and questionnaire designs;
2. familiarise students with the practical details of designing, constructing, administering and interpreting tests, questionnaires and interviews;
3. introduce the basic skills required for administering tests and interviews;
4. provide an understanding of how to choose, score, analyse and interpret tests, questionnaires and interviews;
5. familiarise students with some of the statistical techniques used in test construction and questionnaire design.

Content

This course examines the theory underlying psychological test and questionnaire construction and interviewing, and introduces a range of materials and techniques through practical sessions. Lectures and practical sessions are divided into three sections:

1. Psychometric testing, in which students will investigate such issues as the historical background of testing, types of test for various purposes, how tests are developed and shown to be reliable and valid, guidelines for administering tests, how norms are constructed and used, and the ethical uses of testing and, contemporary statistical methods of test and questionnaire construction;
2. Questionnaire design, in which topics such as sampling, enhancing response rates, sample sizes, questionnaire design, and respondent biases are covered; and
3. Interviewing techniques, in which the underlying basis of interviewing as an assessment technique is explored. Topics covered will include- interview design, carrying out an interview (including interpersonal skills), interview types (research, workplace, persuasive, etc.), avoiding cultural bias in interviewing, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of interview data.

Related courses PSYC3000, PSYC3500, PSYC3600.

Replacing Course(s)

PSYC3070

Transition

Students who have completed PSYC3070 will not be required to complete PSYC3001.
PSYC3001 is not to count with PSYC3070.

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

STAT2000, PSYC2600.
It is advantageous to have completed PSYC3000 or to be doing PSYC3000 concurrently with PSYC3001.

Modes of Delivery

Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Lecture
Laboratory

Assessment Items

Examination: Class	A mid-semester exam will cover selected material covered in the first part of the course.
Essays / Written Assignments	Written assignments may consist of an essay and/or a lab report covering selected topics and skills.
Examination: Formal	Final exam will be based on all material covered in Lectures, Labs and Readings
Laboratory Exercises	Some in-lab exercises may be used to increase student skill levels in some practical areas of Psychometric testing.

Contact Hours

Laboratory: for 2 hour(s) per Week for 8 weeks
Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Timetables