Course Description
Research and theory underlying intellectual assessment. Supervised introductory experience in the use of standardized intelligence tests, including evaluation and communication of test results.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Understand the historical development and current context of cognitive and intellectual assessment, including prominent theories of intelligence and the applications of cognitive assessment.
- Grasp psychometric principles relevant to psychological assessment, including test construction and item selection, validity, reliability, standardization, norms, and measurement theory.
- Conduct a thorough clinical interview and observe behavior during testing to inform interpretation of assessment results and formulation of recommendations.
- Competently and ethically administer and score tests of intelligence and achievement to adults and children.
- Interpret test results, formulate recommendations, and write reports.
- Explain how differences among test takers influence test results and formulation of recommendations.
- Knowledgeably discuss legal and ethical considerations relevant to test administration and report writing.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Attendance and preparation | 5% |
| Test administration | 20% |
| Instrument scoring | 20% |
| Writing up assessment results | 30% |
| Full assessment report (child volunteer) | 25% |
Grading Scale:
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 93 and above | A |
| 90 to 93 | A- |
| 87 to 90 | B+ |
| 83 to 87 | B |
| 80 to 83 | B- |
| 77 to 80 | C+ |
| 73 to 77 | C |
| 70 to 73 | C- |
| 67 to 70 | D+ |
| 63 to 67 | D |
| 60 to 63 | D- |
| Below 60 | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Students are expected to attend each class (except as pre-arranged), having read/watched/listened to assigned media in advance, prepared to ask questions and discuss the material. For every class meeting, students will fill out a "quiz" documenting their attendance and attesting to their level of preparation and engagement. Discuss planned absences (e.g., for academic conferences) in advance with the instructor. Unplanned absences will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
Sattler, J. M. (2024). Assessment of children: cognitive applications (7th ed.). ISBN: 9780986149993
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.