Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 102400

Coordinator Evelyn Smith Opens in new window

Description This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to the cognitive psychological assessment of children, adolescents and adults. It is designed to assist students in the professional psychology programs to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the cognitive assessment of clients. Students will become familiar with the current theoretical and empirical foundations of psychological assessment, and the application of these theories and research findings to assessment practice in empirically valid and culturally responsive ways. Students will be introduced to contemporary practice in the assessment of cognition, personality and behaviour. Training in the administration of key instruments will be provided. Students will be instructed in the integration of assessment data into clinically-useful reports, including inter-disciplinary communication. Different approaches to psychological assessment will be compared and evaluated. Ethical and professional issues in psychological assessment will be discussed.

School Psychology

Discipline Psychology

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Equivalent Subjects BEHV 7026 - Psychological Assessment LGYA 1196 - Psychological Assessment 1

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 1812 Master of Clinical Psychology or 1814 Master of Professional Psychology.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Define the theoretical and empirical foundations of psychological assessment (APAC GA: 3.2, 3.16, 4.2.1ii)
2. Critically evaluate psychological tests, including their application in culturally responsive ways (APAC GA: 3.2, 3.16, 4.2.1ii)
3. Examine ethical issues in psychological assessment (APAC GA: 3.12)
4. Show knowledge in appropriate selection of assessment methods and measures (APAC GA: 3.4, 3.6, 4.2.2ii)
5. Demonstrate skills in conducting and interpreting major measures of child and adult intelligence, achievement and other cognitive domains (APAC GA: 3.4, 3.6, 3.14, 3.15, 4.2.2ii)
6. Formulate and appropriately communicate assessment results to clients and other professionals (APAC GA: 3.8, 3.10, 4.2.2iii)

Subject Content

Theories, models and methods in psychological assessment
Intelligence and cognitive systems
Intellectual assessment: WAIS-IV, WISC-IV and other test batteries
Assessment of academic achievement: WIAT-II, NARA-III and other measures
Assessment of language, memory and other cognitive functions: WMS-IV, CELF-4 and other measures
Assessment of behaviour, emotion, and personality (NEO-PI and other measures)
Observational methods
Psychometric principles and methods
Developmental and acquired cognitive disorders
Report writing
Professional and ethical issues in assessment, including application of psychological testing and assessment in culturally responsive ways.