Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit is designed to build on your undergraduate training in psychological assessment. The understanding of theoretical perspective in psychological assessment is reinforced. A range of assessment techniques and tests, supported by research, are taught. There is an emphasis on developing competency in the application of various techniques, in particular test administration, scoring and interpretation. An ability to integrate results into a useful, focused, problem oriented report and an effective treatment strategy is developed. Further, you will also learn the ethical and legal issues involved in psychological assessment.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with theoretical background and practical skills relevant to psychological assessment within the context of clinical psychology.

Objectives

At the completion of the unit you should be able to:

1. develop a theoretical understanding of psychological assessment, which will consist of, defining problems, generating hypotheses and using a variety of assessment methods;


2. use a wide range of assessment methods competently;


3. understand the rationale, administration, scoring and interpretation of a number of formal psychological tests used with children, adolescents and adults;


4. administer and score WAIS III/WISC IV competently;


5. develop knowledge about the ethical and dissemination issues in psychological assessment;


6. write psychological reports by incorporating the results of psychological assessment.

Content

The unit comprises of a range of topics covering: psychometric theory, ethics and legal issues; interviewing within an assessment context; culturally sensitive methods of assessing Indigenous populations, behaviour and cognitive assessment techniques; functional analysis; assessment and screening of neuropsychological impairment; memory assessment and personality assessment. The unit has a strong emphasis upon the application of the processes covered and an appreciation of the theory underpinning each of the areas covered. The major instruments required of clinical psychology will be covered. In addition, you will be provided with input on specialised topics, ethical and legal responsibilities, privacy issues and responding to the legal context.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit is conducted in three-hour sessions. Generally a flexible format, consisting of lectures, AV presentations, demonstrations, group-based exercises and practice sessions, is adopted in the classes to promote your learning. You will be encouraged to actively participate in the learning process by sharing your knowledge and skills with other fellow students.

You are expected to use regularly the workbook prepared for this unit. This workbook will inform you about the ongoing weekly readings and the relevant tasks to be completed before the lectures. As there is going to be an emphasis on demonstrations and class exercises, you are expected to have a substantial theoretical knowledge about the topic. Finally, you will be provided with practical skills in report writing within a clinical psychology context.

Assessment

All assessments are formative and summative.

Formative: aims to strengthen your skills by providing you with constructive feedback.

Summative: aims to focus on your outcome, standard and comparison with the benchmarks.

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: WISC-IV / WAIS- IV administration.
You will select one of the above tests at the commencement of the course and practice its administration and scoring. You will be asked to administer and score a number of verbal and performance subtests from the test chosen by you.
In line with the formative nature of the above assessment (WAIS/WISC), constructive verbal feedback will be provided to help you to strengthen your skills. In case of failing this assessment you will get ONE opportunity to re-sit.
Relates to objectives: 4
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 7

Assessment name: Report Writing
Description: You will be required to write reports on the raw data and other information provided for various cognitive and personality tests covered in the unit (e.g. WISC IV, WAIS IV , WIAT II, WMS IV , MMPI 2 RF & PAI).
Written feedback will be given to you about your understanding of the tests and the proficiency by which you can integrate information to interpret the results and write professional reports.
All assessment tasks will be graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. A satisfactory outcome must be achieved on each item of assessment in order to achieve a pass in the unit.
Relates to objectives: 1-3, 5 and 6
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 10 - 13

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Anastasi, A., & Urbina, S. (1997). Psychological testing (7th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Simon & Schuster.

Bellack, A.S., Hersen, M. (1988). Behavioural assessment: A practical handbook. New York: Pergamon Press.

Groth-Marnet, G. (1999). Handbook of Psychological Assessment (3rd ed.). N.Y.: John Wiley & Sons.

Hersen M. & Turner, S.M. (1994). Diagnostic interview (2nd ed.). N.Y.: Plenum press.

Kaufman, A.S. (1999). Essential of WAIS-III assessment. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.

Martin, R. (1998). Assessment of personality and behaviour problems: infancy through adolescence. New York: Guildford Press.

Morrison, D. (1995). The first interview. N.Y. : The Guildford Press.

O'Neill, R.E. et al. (1997). Functioning assessment and program development for problem behaviour: A Practical Handbook. Pacific Grove CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing.

Othmer, E. & Othmer, S.C. (1994) The clinical interview. Using DSM-IV Vol 1. Washington DC.: American Psychiatric Press.

Sattler, J.M. (1992). Assessment of children (3rd ed.). San Diego: J.M. Sattler.

Other resources:> Students will also have full access to the Test Library materials.

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Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks attached.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 13-Sep-2012