Ethics and the future of psychological testing

Almost any test can be useful in the right circumstances, but even the best test, when used inappropriately, can hurt the subject. Psychological testing holds many moral issues as well as theoretical issues. Three moral issues-human rights, labeling, and invasion of privacy

Human rights –The right not to be tested & Informed consent –The right to know their test scores and interpretation as well as the bases of any decisions that affect their lives –The right to know how will have access to test data and the right to confidentiality of test results – duate_Studies/Programs_Faculty/PsyD/CHC%20 Informed%20Consent%20to%20Perform%20a%2 0Psychological%20Evaluation.pdfhttp:// duate_Studies/Programs_Faculty/PsyD/CHC%20 Informed%20Consent%20to%20Perform%20a%2 0Psychological%20Evaluation.pdf

Labeling The public has little understanding of the label ‘schizophrenia’ for example. Diagnostic labels serve as cues that activate stigma and stereotypes. After labeling, possibility of becoming the passive victims of the labels. Taking little responsibility of their own lives.

Invasion of privacy Psychologists are ethically and often legally bound to maintain confidentiality and do not have to reveal any more information about a person than is necessary to accomplish the purpose for which testing was initiated. As a general rule, personal information obtained by the psychologist from any source is communicated only with the person’s consent. Exceptions include circumstances in which withholding information causes danger to the person or society, as well as cases that require subpoenaed records

Responsibilities of test users –use assessment instruments whose validity and reliability have been established for use with members of the population being tested. ‘Normative samples’ –use assessment methods that are appropriate to an individual’s language preference and competence ‘language’ –know the psychometric qualities of the test being used as well as the literature relevant to the test. ‘professional knowledge’

Responsibilities of test constructors Must provide test manual with sufficient data to permit appropriate use of the test Including adequate validity and reliability data, clearing specified scoring and administration standards and a clear description of the normative sample

Rights of Test-Takers Be treated with courtesy, respect, and impartiality, regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics. Be tested with measures that meet professional standards and that are appropriate, given the manner in which the test results will be used.

Receive a brief oral or written explanation prior to testing about the purpose(s) for testing, the kind(s) of tests to be used, if the results will be reported to you or to others, and the planned use(s) of the results. If you have a disability, you have the right to inquire and receive information about testing accommodations. If you have difficulty in comprehending the language of the test, you have a right to know in advance of testing whether any accommodations may be available to you

Know in advance of testing when the test will be administered, if and when test results will be available to you, and if there is a fee for testing services that you are expected to pay. Have your test administered and your test results interpreted by appropriately trained individuals who follow professional codes of ethics.

Trends in psychological testing

The proliferation of new tests Empirically derived data & modern learning, social, physiological, and experimental psychology Increasing role of the science of psychology in testing Integrating tests with treatment and the effectiveness of treatment

Higher standards, improved technology, and increasing objectivity The minimum acceptable standards for tests are getting higher and higher!! Improved technology advances in computer and statistical procedures(factor analysis, item analysis etc) Objectivity in test interpretation.. –Rorschach????? MMPI-2

Greater public awareness and influence Increasing external influence on testing in a positive way As more individuals share the responsibility of encouraging the proper use of tests by becoming informed of their rights and insisting on receiving them, the probability of misuse and abuse of tests will be reduced.

The computerization of tests The computerization of tests is a major trend. Computers are being used to administer, score, and even interpret psychological tests. Able to tap a whole new range of human abilities beyond the scope of traditional tests.

Questions Explain moral issues in psychological testing. What is confidentiality in psychological testing? As a test user, what would you check out first when you choose a test? Describe the current trends in psychological testing.