Deck 8: Assessment, Testing, and the Diagnostic Process

Question 1

One of the advantages of using testing in counseling is that it:

A) removes the influence of the counselor in assessment and appraisal.
B) minimizes the influence of chance factors in the decision-making process.
C) removes subjective and external influences on statistical outcomes.
D) provides added information to aid client and counselor in decision-making.
E) all of the above.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Which of the following terms refers to the consistency or accuracy of a test score?

A) Reliability
B) Accuracy
C) Validity
D) Reality

Answer 2

A

Question 3

The assessment process itself can be therapeutic because:

A) it teaches self-discipline.
B) it is the most direct route to effective psycho-education.
C) clients have an opportunity to learn a great deal about themselves.
D) all of the above.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

A test can be defined as:

A) an unbiased instrument designed to measure aspects of behavior.
B) an attempt to objectively measure a sample of thoughts and/or behavior.
C) a technique for gathering normative data.
D) one way to measure intelligence and aptitude.

Question 5

Interest inventories are designed to:

A) predict occupational areas in which a person is likely to experience success.
B) inform a person about the occupational areas where they should seek employment.
C) compare responses to those of persons successfully employed in various occupations.
D) be used only with people who have strong opinions and job skills.

Question 6

Tests that measure learning and the acquired capabilities of developed skills are often called proficiency tests, but are also referred to as:

A) ability tests.
B) achievement tests.
C) aptitude tests.
D) tests of typical performance.

Question 7

A test designed to measure an individual's day-to-day behavior or performance is called:

A) test of ability.
B) aptitude test.
C) achievement test.
D) test of typical performance.

Question 8

Tests concerned with making predictions about how a person is likely to perform in the future are called:

A) tests of ability.
B) aptitude tests.
C) achievements tests.
D) tests of typical performance.

Question 9

Assessment can be defined as:

A) the use of the best available single measure to describe an individual.
B) the collection of the greatest amount of information possible about the individual.
C) a process dependent on a carefully designed research model.
D) a multifaceted and integrated process reflecting various aspects of an individual.

Question 10

The testing and assessment process is crucial to accomplishing which of the following tasks?

A) Learning the client's developmental issues and assessing strengths and weaknesses
B) Familiarizing yourself with the client's view of the world
C) Formulating diagnostic impressions and developing a treatment plan
D) All of the above

Question 11

The impact of technology on testing in the counseling field has:

A) been negligible, since it has no real statistical significance.
B) raised concerns about compromised privacy and confidentiality.
C) been instrumental in clarifying assessment issues.
D) none of the above.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a standardized test?

A) It allows for highly accurate measurements, regardless of cultural factors.
B) It is designed to avoid characterizing people unnecessarily.
C) It attempts to insure that administration, scoring, and other testing procedures are universal for all clients.
D) It is generally free from biases based on sex, gender, race, or socio-economic status.

Question 13

Many professionals in the counseling field oppose the concept of formal diagnosis because:

A) diagnostic reliability is inconsistent.
B) there is an emphasis on pathology.
C) there is an emphasis on the medical model.
D) all of the above.

Question 14

Ideally, an assessment should include:

A) a wide range of information gathered from various avenues to illuminate multiple
B) aspects of the client.
C) an emphasis on the available standardized measures and an avoidance of the use of non-standardized measures.
D) a large amount of valid information around a narrowly defined, yet relevant, aspect of the client.

Question 15

Tests concerned with measuring learning, acquired capabilities, or developed skills are called:

A) tests of ability.
B) achievement tests.
C) aptitude tests.
D) test of typical performance.

Question 16

"Red flag" issues in counseling always require further assessment and include:

A) physical or emotional abuse of a child, elder, or dependent person.
B) evidence that a client is a danger to themselves or others.
C) the need to rule out medical causes for client's presenting problems.
D) the presence of legal or ethical concerns.
E) all of the above.

Question 17

One of the alternatives to the use of formal diagnostic labeling is:

A) to reduce the importance of assessment and diagnosis in the treatment of clients.
B) to use the system of functional behavioral labeling.
C) to encourage the client to accept the responsibility for self-diagnosing.
D) to refer clients who need a diagnosis to other professionals.

Question 18

The interpretations of assessment data should:

A) be designed to help clients non-defensively accept revealed information.
B) involve clients in thinking about implications and results.
C) help clients to recognize the validity of test data.
D) be done in groups whenever possible.

Question 19

In recent years, testing has been viewed:

A) as an essential and irreplaceable tool in counseling.
B) as a routine practice.
C) with increased concern due to potential cultural and ethical biases.
D) as a sub-specialty to be applied by those receiving advanced training.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a reason mental health professionals rely on the DSM-5 as a diagnostic system?

A) As a source of standardized terminology to allow for clear communication with other mental health specialists
B) To create labels for people that guide future decisions about them in other situations
C) To classify clients in statistical categories for research and accountability purposes
D) To construct a treatment plan to guide interventions