Deck 1: Introduction to Psychological Assessment

Question 1

The overall goal of a counseling assessment is to

A) Identify the client's developmental stage
B) Determine which type of intelligence test is needed
C) Gather and integrate information about a client to answer a question
D) Make a differential DSM diagnosis

Answer 1

Gather and integrate information about a client to answer a question

Question 2

Assessments can be done for a variety of purposes; which of the following is a valid reason for assessing?

A) Monitor a client's progress in counseling
B) Screen at risk individuals
C) Develop a case conceptualization
D) All of the above

Answer 2

All of the above

Question 3

A case conceptualization is:

A) An hypothesis about what has caused and is maintaining a client's presenting problems
B) Recorded on Axis IV in the DSM system
C) Recorded on Axis V in the DSM system
D) A summary of pertinent client background information and developmental history

Answer 3

An hypothesis about what has caused and is maintaining a client's presenting problems

Question 4

It is considered a best practice to assess clients using:

A) Only formal standardized tests
B) Multiple methods and sources of information
C) Mental status evaluation only
D) Only Norm referenced psychological tests

Question 5

Assessments can assist in treatment planning by:

A) Identifying a client's readiness for change
B) Targeting goals
C) Identifying the appropriate level of care
D) All of the above

Question 6

A Nomothetic assessment is:

A) Similar to an idiographic approach to assessment
B) One that utilizes unstructured methods
C) Concerned with how an individual's performance compares to a relevant group of people on one domain
D) Concerned with understanding the unique traits and abilities of an individual

Question 7

A case conceptualization will typically include:

A) A client's resenting problems but not life stressors
B) Statements about how and why a client's problems developed
C) A formal mental status evaluation
D) Results of formal psychological testing

Question 8

Which of the following is an overarching assessment principle?

A) Information gathered from different perspectives-client, counselor, and significant others-is valuable.
B) Information gathered from the counselor's perspective is most reliable
C) Client report of problems and symptoms is always biased
D) Psychological testing is more valuable than informal methods

Question 9

Which of the following statements is consistent with a culturally sensitive approach to assessment?

A) Counselors only use those tests that have disproportionate racial and ethnic norms
B) Counselors take into account the impact of cultural factors- racial-ethnic identity, age, gender, and primary language-when interpreting test results.
C) Counselors only use informal assessment methods when evaluating clients whose racial-ethnic identity is different than the counselor's identity
D) Counselors have an ethical obligation to determine a client's level of acculturation

Question 10

When an individual is referred for an assessment the evaluator should clarify prior to beginning the assessment:

A) The time involved and the procedures that will be used
B) The limits of the assessor's role
C) The individuals' medical history
D) (a) and (b)

Question 11

Which of the following attitudes and values does a professional helper need to have to minimize the likelihood of conducting a biased assessment?

A) Formal assessment methods are superior and should only be used when making diagnoses
B) Tests are unbiased and therefore a clients' cultural background is irrelevant
C) Ongoing self-reflection, transparency, and collaboration with clients are important.
D) Assessments are more effective when professionals maintain an authoritative stance with clients

Question 12

One of the earliest American applications of a psychological test occurred in a

A) Military setting
B) Rehabilitation institute
C) Community mental health center
D) Psychiatric hospital

Question 13

Once a psychological test is piloted and validated it is

A) Considered a legitimate assessment method that never needs revision
B) Updated every ten years
C) Used only in educational settings
D) Revised and updated based on research and societal need

Question 14

The earliest intelligence tests stressed which of the following abilities?

A) Sensory discrimination and reaction time
B) Reaction time and mechanical reasoning
C) Abstract reasoning and memory
D) Reading comprehension and reaction time

Question 15

One of the purposes of an assessment is to develop a case conceptualization. What is a case conceptualization?

Question 16

How does an assessment inform treatment planning?

Question 17

What is the difference between an informal, non-standardized assessment method and a formal standardized one?