WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY AT PARKERSBURG
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

PSYCHOLOGY 362 - SPRING 2006 

Syllabus

DEPARTMENT:    Psychology 

DIVISION:    Social Sciences 

CREDIT HOURS:      3 

INSTRUCTOR:        Dr. Phil O. McClung, NCC., LPC

                                    National License # 12240,  WV License # 413

                                    Email: philwvup@hotmail.com

                                    304 424-8268 or 304 424-8354 Fax

                                    304 424-8253 Division Representative

                                    Office:  1025-D

                                    Web Page: http://157.182.176.39/mcclung/

PREREQUISITES:  Psychology 101; 241 or equivalent and 60 hours. A knowledge of statistics is recommended. 

TEXTBOOK:  Psychological Testing - Aiken, et al (2005, 12th Edition)

 INTRODUCTION AND COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This course introduces the student to the theory and practice of psychological assessment procedures. The course includes intelligence testing, personality testing, career testing, behavioral assessment procedures, statistics, interviewing and interpretation.

 OBJECTIVES 

I.         COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1.            To become proficient in the basic terminology and concepts involved in psychological assessment

2.            To examine the principles of psychological assessment, including psychometric theory and test construction.

         3.      To review the major psychological and other mental abilities assessment methods and instruments.

         4.      To understand basic statistics for describing scores, norms for interpreting scores, and psychometric properties of scales such as reliability and validity.

5.            To gain hands on experience constructing and validating a new assessment scale and writing an APA-style report of this project.

6.            To understand the uses and misuses of psychological testing, both historically and presently, especially for minority populations and disadvantaged groups.                 

II.      GENERAL OBJECTIVES 

         1.      Written Communication - Each student will submit a typed research paper/project using the APA format(1250 words). 

         2.      Oral Communication - Each student will be required to participate in verbal individual and team presentations. 

         3.      Mathematical Skills/Competencies - Each student will be required to make critical interpretations of a statistical or graphical nature. 

         4.      Information Access/Literacy Skills - Each student will be required to conduct an internet search as part of their research.  Use of e-mail will be encouraged. 

         5.      Scientific Inquiry and Research - Each student will be required to research project and present supplemental information regarding one assessment technique.

          6.      A Cultural, Artistic and Global Perspective - Each student will be required to consider gender and cultural factors in all areas of study.

 TOPICS TO BE STUDIED:

         How will course objectives be met? 

               Mini lecture, student group presentations, small group discussion, experiential exercises, role plays, guest speakers, case studies, films and application exercises will be utilized. 

 SPECIAL PROJECTS TO BE INCLUDED IN COURSE:  Research Papers, Reports, Surveys, Projects, Annotated Bibliographies, Other

          The following activities, projects and exercises will be required:

         1.      Group Presentations (explained in classroom)

         2.      Research Project and Individual Presentation

3.            Case Study (may be in class)

4.            Application Exercises (explained in classroom)

 Research Project.  A research project with a typed paper is required with three documented sources of information.  Each student will select a psychological assessment strategy they want to explore and develop a research paper and presentation regarding their research. Students have found this activity is much easier if an instrument of personal interest is chosen.  One of the sources is required to be the result of an internet search.  Once again, if you have internet or computer phobia, please see me, I will help you with this requirement.   All sources must be cited using the APA format which is available in my library materials. A title page, abstract and reference page are also required. Acceptable papers are 1250 words in length. Other guidelines regarding this project will be distributed in class and the due date is in your course schedule.

          Late Assignments: Assignments turned in late will receive a 10% reduction for each day late up to a maximum of 20% per week. 

METHODS OF STUDENT EVALUATION

         Tests (How many?  How often?  What type?), Quizzes,  Laboratory Activities, Clinical Experiences. 

         Overview of Final Grade:  Your final grade will be determined by the total number of points earned from exams, your research project/presentation  and in class exercises and quizzes.   

         Exam and Quiz Content:  All exams may contain multiple choice, matching, true false, short answer, essay and critical thinking questions.  Questions will be related to your readings, in class lecture and activities and chapter overview questions.  Short answer questions will come directly from chapter overview questions.  Exams will cover material presented since your last exam with the exception of the final which will be twenty-five percent comprehensive, i.e., twenty-five percent of the final exam will include major information covered during the entire semester.  

         Make-up Exam: The make-up exam date is either arranged or one week before the final exam. Students have commented that make-up exams seem to be more difficult than regularly scheduled exams. 

         Cheating:  Cheating is unnecessary in this class. I walk around the classroom during exams and also use alternative forms of each test to discourage cheating.  Anyone discovered cheating will receive a 0 on their exam and be reported to the Academic Dean.
Grading Scale:

                  92 - 100% = A

                  84 -   91% = B

                  76 -   83 %= C

                  68 -   75 %= D

               Below 68% = F

 ASSESSMENT OF OUTCOMES:

         What measurements will be used to demonstrate that outcomes have been reached?  (Refer to class as a whole, not individual students.)

          Demonstrated application and competencies.

         Comparison to standards from other courses developed and presented both state-wide and nationally. 

OTHER INFORMATION:

         What additional information will help to clarify the course?

             Attendance:  Each student is expected to conform to the institution’s attendance policy.  If you are absent, it is your responsibility to contact your instructor for your assignments.  Prior notification is necessary for absence on an exam date.  Excessive absence may lead to failure in the course. 

            Student Conduct: Side conversations or other behavior, which interferes with the right of others to learn or the right of the instructor to teach, will not be permitted.                   

            Questions: If you need clarification regarding course information or requirements, please contact me. Additional services such as tutoring and counseling are offered by the Learning Center and Student Services offices at WVU-P. 

            Special Assistance: If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in this class, please advise me and make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Disability Services (424-8378). 

            Social Justice: West Virginia University at Parkersburg is committed to social justice. I agree with that commitment and expect to maintain a positive learning environment based on open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. Our policy is to not discriminate on basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color or national origin. Any suggestions as to how to further such a positive and open environment in this class will be appreciated and given serious consideration. 

            Important Dates:    April 4                       Last day to withdraw from a class
                                  May 5                        Final Exam 

            Late Assignments: Assignments submitted late will receive a 10% reduction for each day late up to a maximum of 20% per week. 

            Office Hours: My office hours are posted on my door, room 1025D, however I will be willing to meet at any time if you call for an appointment. Consultation in my office and/or correspondence via e-mail are encouraged. I have added evening office hours before class for those of you taking only evening classes.