Psychological Testing: Standardization and Reliability
Psychology
Standardization
Standardization: a rule or process of applying a test to a representative sample of respondents for the purpose of setting standards.
- A standardized test has well-defined procedures for clear administration.
- It must have control, and your score includes normative data.
Reliability
Reliability determines the usefulness of the instrument as a measuring tool.
It is the consistency of scores obtained by the same person when retested with the same test at different times or with different
Read MoreLorenz and Harlow: Animal Studies on Attachment
Lorenz (1952)
Lorenz’s research suggests that organisms have a biological propensity to form attachments to a single subject.
Lorenz conducted an experiment in which goslings were hatched either with their mother or in an incubator. Once the goslings had hatched, they proceeded to follow the first moving object that they saw between 13 and 16 hours after hatching; in this case, Lorenz.
It supports the view that having a biological basis for an attachment is adaptive as it promotes survival.
This would
Read MoreUnderstanding Key Concepts in Freudian Psychology
The Unconscious
The unconscious is a part of the psychic apparatus, included in the first topography. It contains desires, instincts, and memories denied access to consciousness. Its content primarily represents drives.
The Id
The id is one of the three instances described by Freud in his second topography. It represents the instinctual pole of personality, with unconscious contents. The pleasure principle guides its activity, and primary processes dominate it.
The Setting (Fixation)
Fixation involves
Read MoreResearch Fundamentals: Questions, Instruments, and Frameworks
Research Fundamentals
Problem: A question being asked about reality.
Instrument: A mechanism that allows us to obtain information.
Indicator: Survey questions.
Variables: Choices within a question in the survey.
Tab: The process by which information is extracted from our research tool.
Matrix of Research: Where information is deposited.
Hypothesis: A tentative answer to a question. Variables are drawn, including behavior problems, causal variables, and behavior.
Problems guide our investigation. These are
Read MoreUnderstanding Visual Impairment, Intellectual Disabilities, and Learning Disabilities
Visual Impairment
Anatomic or functional disturbances in the sense of vision affecting visual acuity, field of vision, color perception, or binocular visual function. This refers to persons with visual acuity ranging from 20/70 to 20/200.
Definitions
Legally blind: 20/200 in best eye with corrected vision, or <20% visual field (norm is 140-160).
Causes
- Diabetic retinopathy (#1 cause; 80% of juvenile-onset diabetes will experience diabetic retinopathy)
- Glaucoma
- Head trauma
- Macular degeneration
- Cataracts
- Retinitis
Humanistic Psychology & Behavioral Psychology
Humanistic Movement: Carl Rogers
One of the key figures in humanistic psychology, Carl Rogers, developed his theories based on his extensive clinical experience. A central work in his theory is his book, Client-Centered Therapy. In 1961, the American Psychological Association recognized humanistic psychology. Key tenets of Rogers’ approach include:
- The subjective importance of individual experience.
- A belief that every living being strives towards positive goals.
- Emphasis on personal responsibility