Psychological tests are standardized measures used by psychologists to assess behavior objectively and help people make decisions about their lives and understand themselves better. There are various types of psychological tests classified based on construction, administration, tests of knowledge, skills, abilities, and more. Developing psychological tests involves several steps including analyzing situations, selecting test items, developing standardized procedures, administering tests to representative groups, selecting final test items through analysis, and evaluating the final test. Psychological tests have characteristics like standardization, objectivity, test norms, reliability, and validity. They are used by psychologists and nurses to obtain information, assist in diagnosis and assessing severity of disorders, and to measure treatment outcomes.

1. Psychological tests
By
Ms Neha Bhatt
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2. Psychological tests
Psychological tests are standard measure
devised to assess behaviour objectively
and used by psychologist to help people
make decision about their lives and
understand more about themselves.
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3. Types of Psychological tests
Classification of Psychological tests based on
construction and administration -
1. Individual and group test
2. Speed and power test
3. Computer assisted tests
4. Paper pencil and performance tests
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4. Classification of psychological test
Based on test of knowledge , skill and abilities
psychological test has been divided into
following –
• Achievement test – term ending exams
• Aptitude test – general aptitude test battery
• Intelligence test – stand ford binet scale
• Interest test – interest inventory
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5. Classification Cont...
• Neuropsychological test – Wechsler adult
memory scale
• Occupational test – McQuaig occupation test
• Personality test - Rorschach inkblot test
• Specific clinical test – Pittsburgh sleep quality
index
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6. Development of psychological test
• Several steps are involved in development of
psychological tests . These include –
1. Analysis of situation
2. Tentative selection of the test items
3. Development of standardized procedures
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7. Development of test cont..
4. Administration of the test to a representative
group
5. Final selection of the test item – item analysis
6. Evaluation of final test
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8. Characteristics Of Psychological Tests
 Standardization
 Objectivity
 Test norms
 Reliability
 Validity
Carefully developed and researched psychological
tests have several characteristics-
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9. Principles of psychological tests
• Psychological tests should have been three
components i.e. Standard , content , &
procedure that make it possible for anybody
to administer it anywhere anytime.
• Tests should have norms to compare an
individual test score of a known group , who
have taken the test.
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10. Principles of psychological tests
cont...
• Tests items are of high technical quality
prepared by experts , pretested and selected
on the basis of difficulty , power , relationship
to a clearly defined rigid set of specifications.
• Directions for administering scores are
precisely stated , so that procedures are
standard for different users of the tests.
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11. Principles of psychological tests
cont...
• A test manual and other accessory materials
are provided as a guide for administration ,
scoring , evaluating , its technical qualities and
for interpreting and using the result .
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12. Uses Of Psychological Tests
• To get information easily
• Information is scientifically tested and reliable
• They assist in diagnosis . Eg. Rorschach test
• They assist in formulation of psychopathology
of disease. Eg. TAT
• They assist in assessing severity of disorder .
Eg. Hamilton Rating scale for depression
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13. Uses Of Psychological Tests cont..
• They help in assessing general characteristics
of individual . Eg personality tests
• These tests are also used in forensic
evaluations , family court issue and criminal
charges.
• These test assess level of functioning or
disability , help direct treatment and assess
treatment outcome.
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14. Limitation Of Psychological Tests
• Many applicants experience anxiety.
• Human mind is beyond any assessment and
limit , at a times one can behave complete
different from original state.
• Negative attitude of applicant can alter the
validity of test.
• Administration and interpretation can be done
only by qualified psychologist.
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15. Role Of A Nurse In Psychological
Assessment
• Nurse should become familiar with many
standardized tests that are available to
enhance each stage of the nursing process.
• A nurse should have knowledge about all the
psychological tests , which will help her to
clarify patient’s or relative’s doubts regarding
these tests.
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16. Role Of A Nurse In Psychological
Assessment cont..
• These test will help in providing care and
provide measurable indicators of treatment
outcome.
• Example – if the nurse is caring for a patient
with depression , it would be helpful to use
depression rating scale time to time , to
check the need and progress of treatment.
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17. Role Of A Nurse In Psychological
Assessment cont..
• Nurse should plan all the care and treatment
according to the data obtained by
psychological tests .
• Nurse should reassure the patient about the
safety of the tests and confidentiality of the
observation .
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