93512 - Psychometric Assessment

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will know the theoretical basis of psychological testing theories, and practical applications in the areas of health, well-being and social inclusivity.

Course contents

The measurement in Psychology according to the Classical Test Theory: true score theory, sources of error, and reliability. The validation process: test development, item analysis, and source of validity evidence. Statistical methods for validation studies: analyses of validity (structural, criterion, predictive) and reliability (internal consistency and stability over time).

Psychological measurement instruments: searching, choosing, adapting, and/or developing quantitative measurement instruments to be applied in the areas of psychological health, well-being, and social inclusivity after identifying specific target populations.

The application of tests in psychological contexts: scoring and interpretation of results of a test, assessment profile of cases, and drafting of written reports.

The course comprises theoretical parts, tools/measures presentation, and laboratory activities on the covered topics.

The course will take place during the first cycle of lectures (from October to December 2021) at the Department of Psychology in Bologna.

Readings/Bibliography

Scientific papers, textbooks, and other materials will be proposed by the teacher during the course. These readings are mandatory to pass the final exam.

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures to provide theoretical illustration of the course topics; interactive parts in which examples and cases will be illustrated and discussed in the classroom with students; students working in small groups; individual and/or group class presentations.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of two parts (A and B); each of them are evaluated 0-30, and the final mark consists of the average (0-30) of the marks obtained in the two parts.

A) Individual or group (2-3 students) written assignment based on the course topics. It can consist of a review of measurement tools existing in the literature; the development of a new tool and preliminary discussion and data analysis; the statistical analysis of a data set (provided by the teacher or collected by the students); or a report of the results and discussion of a single case measurement.

B) Individual oral exam consisting of a power-point presentation of the written assignment and its discussion in front of the class answering the teacher’s questions.

Parts A and B will be evaluated according to criteria that will be presented to the class before the task assignment.

Teaching tools

Scientific papers, Power-Point presentation, and live data analysis.

Office hours

See the website of Paola Gremigni