Purpose of PT
The function of
psychological tests is to measure individual differences.
Definition
A standardized, valid
and reliable instrument used to assess and quantify specific or group of psychological
traits for diagnosis, classification or recruitment purpose.
Nature
The psychometric
tests are designed to measure either cognitive traits (capabilities) or
non-cognitive traits.
(i) Cognitive capabilities
– Intelligence, memory, reaction time, problem solving etc.
(ii) Non-cognitive
capabilities – Personality traits, attitude, interest etc.
The tests are diverse
in their nature and can be objective, subjective, individual, group,
projective, non-projective, speed & power etc. The psychological tests
inherently have predictive and diagnostic abilities in their nature. The second
most important trait of a test is standardization which implies uniformity of
procedure in administering and scoring the test by different individuals. These
tests are standardized on a representative sample of the population of
interest. The items or performance activities contained in the psychological
tests are representatives of the trait they are supposed to measure or predict.
An empirical correspondence between the predicted behaviour and test items is
one of the expected natural properties of tests. The other important aspect of
tests is that items have no right or wrong answers. Time taken by a subject
that has been set by the test constructor to complete the test is another
important characteristic of nature of the test.
Applications or Uses of
Psychological Tests
1. Primarily for the
determination and analyses of individual differences.
2. Study of groups for
psychological, educational, cultural and sociological purposes.
3. For educational
classification, selection and planning.
4. Armed forces are the
major users of these tests.
5. Educational and
vocational guidance.
6. Diagnosis of people
with problems of learning, behaviour and attitudes etc.
7. Selection and
recruitment of personnel for job.
8. Prediction of
behaviour.
9. Measurement of
behaviour.
References:
1. Anastasi, A (1976).
Psychological Testing. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co.
2. Freeman, F. S. (1965). Theory and
Practice of Psychological Testing. New Delhi: Mohan Primlani for Oxford &
IBH.
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