Use Of Psychometric Tests Research Articles

Diagnostic testing of patients with hepatic encephalopathy (review)

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a serious complication of the hepatobiliary region. One of the main consequences of the pathology is dysfunction of the brain. Diagnosis of this condition can be challenging due to the variety of clinical manifestations and severity. The key to preventing the HE progression and improving the patient’s quality of life is diagnosis in the early stages of the disease. The use of psychometric tests appears promising in determining HE due to their high sensitivity and low cost. It should be noted that results may vary depending on a number of factors, including the age and level of education of the patient. In order to assess the full picture of the disease, it is necessary to conduct an extensive evaluation and combine various examination methods, such as clinical scales, psychometric tests, and computerized tests, to achieve the most accurate diagnosis and determine the severity of HE.

The predictive validity of cognitive ability and personality tests toward police on-the-job training

This study investigates the predictive validity of psychometric tests included in the Norwegian Police University College selection process for 106 accepted trainees. Predictor variables were from the Scales (lst, verbal admin, lt-no) cognitive ability tests and the Shapes (basic) personality test, distributed by the contractor Aon Assessment Norway AS (formerly cut-e). The criterion variable was from the on-the-job training phase of the police bachelor program, in which instructors rated trainees’ work behaviors two years after initial selection. The results revealed a lack of predictive validity, as witnessed in both correlational analysis and a regression approach controlling for police academy performance. Contrary to expectations, cognitive ability test scores negatively predicted trainee work behaviors in the regression model. These results are compared with those of other relevant studies and are evaluated in light of this study's main strengths and weaknesses. The results of this study deserve an exploratory interpretation, given the limited sample size and a lack of hitherto peer-reviewed psychometric documentation for the tests. This study substantiates the need for further research with respect to the use of psychometric tests in law enforcement selection, particularly contractor-distributed tests, which are rarely studied.

The potential of using psychometric tests in Polish accounting research

Purpose: To demonstrate the rationale for using psychometric tests in accounting research and show the spectrum of possibilities for such research in the context of skepticism towards them in Polish academia. Methodology/approach: Deduction and a scoping literature review. Findings: We confirm that personality traits and states of the human mind affect the accounting process, and psychometrics is a field with strong theoretical foundations and well-developed empirical tools. This means that the use of psychometric tests in accounting research indisputably makes sense. Thereby, the skepticism towards psychometric research in accounting in Polish academic accounting society is questioned. Originality/value: We conducted an extensive review of the accounting research that used psychometric tests. We demonstrate the rationale for the use of psychometric testing in accounting.

Orbitofrontal syndrome in an offender incarcerated for aggravated kidnapping, rape and death of a minor

Orbitofrontal syndrome is characterized by disinhibition, impulsiveness, transgression of social norms and sometimes thedevelopment of criminal behavior. This is the case of an 18-year-old male offender incarcerated for kidnapping, rape andhomicide of a minor. He was evaluated through interviews and the use of the Eysenck personality questionnaire (Form B), Raven’s progressive matrices (RPM), Rey–Osterrieth complex figure (Form A), Differences perception test (FACES-R), Stroop color and word test (SCWT), Mini-Mental state examination (MMSE) and Aggression questionnaire (AGQ). The research subject showed age-appropriate speech, language and vocabulary, and had neither physical problems nor attention, language, writing, reading, praxis, calculation, perception and memory disorders. The results highlight a higher-than-average intelligencequotient, optimal cognitive skills, melancholic temperament with depressive thoughts, introverted personality with lowenvironmental sensitivity, poor social skills, self-absorption and avoidance. Additionally, perfectionist tendencies, suddenemotional changes, difficulty changing behavioral patterns, impulsiveness and disinhibition, all of which are characteristicsof orbitofrontal syndrome. Finally, the research highlights the use of psychometric tests and neuropsychological evaluationsfor the diagnosis of orbitofrontal syndrome. Said tests and evaluations are necessary for the proper management of offendersincarcerated in prisons and/or detention centers who do not have access to neuroimaging; moreover, they may be used to design strategic intervention programs.

Variation in Psychometric Testing in General Practice - A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Most mental disorders are diagnosed and treated in general practice. Psychometric tests may help the general practitioner diagnose and treat mental disorders like dementia, anxiety, and depression. However, little is known about the use of psychometric tests in general practice and their impact on further treatment. We aimed to assess the use of psychometric tests in Danish general practice and to estimate whether variation in use is associated with the provided treatment and death by suicide in patients. This nationwide cohort study included registry data on all psychometric tests performed in Danish general practice in 2007-2018. We used Poisson regression models adjusted for sex, age, and calendar time to assess predictors of use. We used fully adjusted models to estimate the standardized utilization rates for all general practices. A total of 2,768,893 psychometric tests were used in the study period. Considerable variations were observed among general practices. A positive association was seen between a general practitioner's propensity to use psychometric testing and talk therapy. Patients listed with a general practitioner with low use had an increased rate of redeemed prescriptions for anxiolytics [incidence rate ratio (95% confidence interval):1.39 (1.23;1.57)]. General practitioners with high use had an increased rate of prescriptions for antidementia drugs [1.25 (1.05;1.49)] and first-time antidepressants [1.09 (1.01;1.19)]. High test use was seen for females [1.58 (1.55; 1.62)] and patients with comorbid diseases. Low use was seen for populations with high income [0.49 (0.47; 0.51)] and high educational level [0.78 (0.75; 0.81)]. Psychometric tests were used mostly for women, individuals with a low socioeconomic status, and individuals with comorbid conditions. The use of psychometric tests depends on general practice and is associated with talk therapy, redemptions for anxiolytics, antidementia drugs, and antidepressants. No association was found between general practice rates and other treatment outcomes.

Psychological Assessment of Cross-Cultural Mission Candidates in Australasia

This study surveyed psychological assessment practice for cross-cultural mission candidates in Australasia. It hypothesized that there would be a difference in knowledge about assessments between mission chief executive officers (CEOs), member care specialists, and psychological assessors. Sixty-nine mission organization staff and nine independent assessors responded to an online survey about psychological assessment, compliance with Australian legislation and government recommendations, and the use of psychometric tests. The results suggested that pre-field psychological assessments were a vital part of member care. Assessors were more likely to report organizations struggled to apply the results to candidate selection, that assessments were used to screen out people with mental illness, and were looking for different key attributes in candidates compared with organizations. The key areas that were identified as being important to assess were strong interpersonal skills, physical and psychological resilience, and contentment with current relationship status. The study also identified several systemic problems in relation to the focus of assessments, payment, measurement, and whether reports complied with law and government recommendations, and previous recommendations in the mission literature. This study suggested a need for a more standardized purposeful approach to conducting pre-field psychological assessments for cross-cultural mission candidates.

Questionnaires in child custody evaluations: The forgotten ubiquitous medium

Best practice requires that child custody evaluations (CCEs) incorporate multiple methods to sample varied sources. The family law literature is replete with discussions of four common methods of inquiry: interview, observation, review of historical documents, and the use of psychometric tests and inventories. This article defines questionnaires as a fifth method of child custody data collection that is as ubiquitous in practice as it is neglected in the literature. We define questionnaires as a valuable and unique means of collecting child custody data distinct from but complementary of these other four avenues of inquiry. Questionnaires can be critical means of collecting at least six distinct types of data: demographics, history, opinions and priorities, behavioral self-reports, perceptions of others, and for the collection of third party and collateral data. This article defines questionnaires as a unique data collection method and discusses their use in CCEs. A preliminary survey of child custody evaluators’ use of questionnaires is discussed. Results find that the evaluators sampled routinely use questionnaires and find them helpful. Recommendations are offered regarding the effective use of questionnaires during a CCE. Evaluators are urged to routinely incorporate CCE questionnaires in the interest of standardization, time and cost-efficiency.

The use and reporting practice of psychological tests in German risk and criminal responsibility expert reports

ABSTRACT Assessment reports about individuals charged/convicted of offenses have an influence on significant personal consequences for examinees by sentencing decisions regarding placement in a forensic hospital or prison. As there is evidence that unstructured clinical judgments have limited accuracy, research-based practice recommendations call for the use of standardised measures and for experts to base their assessments on empirically supported psychological tests. Previous findings on the actual use of psychometric tests indicate an increasing but still heterogeneous use of psychological tests, highlighting the continued relevance of a professional debate on best diagnostic practice. A potential shortcoming, however, is that these studies almost exclusively relied on clinicians’ self-reports. The present paper presents an analysis based on the actual (retrospectively assessed) usage in German risk (n = 489), criminal responsibility assessment reports (n = 272), and corresponding psychological test reports (n = 313) between 1990 and 2016. In accordance with previous survey data, results showed a frequent usage of a diverse range of psychological tests. Contrarily, performance-based personality tests, typically subsumed under so-called (semi-)projective personality tests, are still implemented regularly in forensic-clinical practice, although the number and frequency seem to be decreasing. Taken together, the findings gain an important insight into the psychological testing practive in forensic settings.

Understanding the Use of Psychometric Testing by Maltese Organisations for the Purpose of Recruitment and Selection

This qualitative research applies a grounded theory methodology to understand the use of psychometric testing by Maltese organisations for the purpose of recruitment and selection. In-depth interviews were conducted with five local organisations to obtain their perception and expertise in the administration and interpretation of psychometric tests in Malta. Data collected was analysed using MAXQDA and coded and analysed using Strauss and Corbin (2008) paradigms of Contextual Conditions, Actions and Reactions and Consequences and Outcomes to assess interrelationships in the information obtained. The study identifies a number of factors that affect the use of psychometric testing by local organisations, and recommends ways on how to increase and effectively use psychometric testing in the recruitment and selection process in Malta.

The use of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to assess cognitive impairment in Prader-Willi syndrome

PurposeWhen a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment cannot be carried out, a quick and discriminant tool of good psychometric properties can be useful to practitioners. The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in patients with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) and to test its reliability for cognitive assessment in a population with intellectual disabilities.Design/methodology/approachThirty-seven adults with PWS took the MoCA. Reliability of the battery was tested using Cronbach’s alphas. The performance of PWS adults in each subtest was then compared to that of a normative population of healthy adults.FindingsThe MoCA was found to be unreliable in PWS. The subtests analyses indicated that the PWS sample underperformed the normative population of healthy adults on most subtests of the MoCA. A sub-sample aged between 17and 29 years showed normal performance on Naming and Memory, and a sub-sample aged from 30 to 39 years showed similar performance on Language, Memory and Orientation relative to age-matched normative healthy adults.Research limitations/implicationsResults showed that the current version of the MoCA, if taken as a whole test for cognitive assessment, does not present with adequate psychometric properties, which the authors interpret as reflecting the heterogeneity in PWS cognitive profiles. If used in PWS, the MoCA may however be useful in examining cognitive functions separately using subtest-based comparisons to normative data.Originality/valueThis research contributes to a better assessment of cognitive profile in PWS and people with learning disabilities by arguing that the use of psychometric tests should depend more on the specificity of the population under evaluation.

Falling at the first hurdle: undergraduate students’ readiness to navigate the graduate recruitment process

ABSTRACT Making the transition from university to employment is a challenging process for many students. One common method used by recruiters to sift through graduate applications is the use of psychometric tests which typically consist of numerical and verbal reasoning tasks. To explore how frequently these tests are used by graduate employers, an audit of the Times Top 100 graduate schemes selection processes was conducted. To identify how well-prepared students are to navigate these assessments, an experiment tested whether 169 undergraduate finalist students can pass either a verbal or numerical reasoning test. Two one-sample t-tests show that more than 50% of students failed the verbal and numerical reasoning tests (53.53% vs 83.57%). The only predictor of an increased likelihood of passing the numerical reasoning tests was having previous experience with those tests. This study highlights that more training needs to be given to help students navigate two common selection methods.

Психометрические тесты: новые исследования

The selection of foreign publications we offer touches upon the use of psychometric tests in the practice of counseling and clinical psychology and in scientific studies. The presented papers reflect the state of the art knowledge, recent findings and developments and some new challenges in the field of psychological diagnostics. Noteworthy, English papers use the term “psychological assessment” in a more general and less medicalized sense. The materials are ordered by publication date. (Translated by Elena Mozhaeva).

The influence of veteran race and psychometric testing on veterans affairs posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) disability exam outcomes.

This study examined the influence of veterans' race and examiners' use of psychometric testing during a Department of Veterans Affairs posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) disability examination on diagnostic and service connection status outcomes. Participants were 764 veterans enrolled in a national longitudinal registry. Current and lifetime PTSD diagnostic status was determined with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) and was compared with PTSD diagnosis conferred upon veterans by their compensation and pension (C&P) examiners as well as with ultimate Veterans Affairs (VA) PTSD service connected status. The concordance rate between independent SCID current PTSD diagnosis and PTSD disability examination diagnosis was 70.4%, and between SCID lifetime PTSD diagnosis and PTSD disability examination diagnosis was 77.7%. Among veterans with current SCID diagnosed PTSD, Black veterans were significantly less likely than White veterans to receive a PTSD diagnosis from their C&P examiner (odds ratio [OR] = .39, p = .003, confidence interval [CI] = .20-.73). Among veterans without current SCID diagnosed PTSD, White veterans were significantly more likely than Black veterans to receive a PTSD diagnosis from their C&P examiner (OR = 4.07, p = .005, CI = 1.51-10.92). Splitting the sample by use of psychometric testing revealed that examinations that did not include psychometric testing demonstrated the same relation between veteran race and diagnostic concordance. However, for examinations in which psychometric testing was used, the racial disparity between SCID PTSD status and disability exam PTSD status was no longer significant. Results suggest that psychometric testing may reduce disparities in VA PTSD disability exam outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record

Use of Psychometric Tests in the Process of Recruitment in Human Resource Management

With industrial revolution, the structure of today's organization has changed and it calls for dynamic changes in processes. Highly specialized workforce and skilled nature of work has put increased demands on finding appropriate talent. Finding suitable candidates have always been one of the challenges for employers and many different approaches have been taken to attract, screen, train and retain skillful employees. One of the recent developments in recruitment of qualified candidates is psychometrics.Psychological testing systems identify desired qualities and try to screen candidates through psychometric tests. Such testing systems have existed for centuries in various forms and have been used with various degrees of success.Literature on the use of psychometrics for recruitment has been scarce at its best and fails to address major developments in the field. Current study is aimed to add to the body of literature focusing on the applications of psychometrics in recruitment. A particular emphasis is put on the construction of psychometrics and its correlation with job performance predictability. Through an extensive literature review it is found that study of such a nature has not done previously. Study is executed by adopting qualitative research method, using a semi-structured, open-ended questionnaire interviewing three highly specialized psychometric professionals in two companies across two continents. The findings are subsequently examined using grounded theory.Categories were earmarked with relevant coding, helpful in the analysis of interview records. It has been concluded that psychometrics as a field has huge potential and its performance in recruitment spheres is promising. Its mainstream adoption however is a gradual process and its theoretical assumptions and practical demonstrations are areas that need much research before it can be relied on as independent recruitment tool. Moreover in its present form it can be used as a recruitment aid at its best and using it as an autonomous and decisive instrument is discouraged.

Psychometrics as a Tool to Improve Credit Information

This paper studies the use of psychometric tests, designed by the Entrepreneurial Finance Lab (EFL), as a tool to screen out high credit risk and potentially increase access to credit for small business owners in Peru. We compare repayment behavior patterns across entrepreneurs who were offered a loan based on the traditional credit-scoring method versus the EFL tool. We find that the psychometric test can lower the risk of the loan portfolio when used as a secondary screening mechanism for already banked entrepreneurs—that is, those with a credit history. The EFL tool can also allow lenders to offer credit to some unbanked entrepreneurs—that is, those without a credit history—who were rejected based on their traditional credit scores, without increasing the risk of the portfolio.

Applied Cyberpsychology: Practical Applications of Cyberpsychological Theory and Research

Cyberpsychology is an emerging area of psychological study that aims to understand and explain all facets of online behaviour. This book brings together overviews from a number of leading authorities in the field, to suggest how academic theory and research can be applied to a variety of online behaviours. Both positive and negative behaviours are considered, including topics as diverse as parenting the online child, age-related internet usage and cultural considerations in online interactions. Psychological research can no longer view online and offline worlds as different entities, but must consider online behaviours as equally distinct as offline activities. This is especially apparent when looking at online dating, the role that social networks play in organisations and online consumer behaviours, and in a consideration of the role that psychological research plays in underpinning the multi-billion pound gaming industry. Focusing on these personal applications of the Internet, insight is also offered into the role that theory and research plays in training military personnel as well as the use of psychometric testing to select and retain employees.

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy characterized by parallel use of the continuous reaction time and portosystemic encephalopathy tests.

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a frequent complication to liver cirrhosis that causes poor quality of life, a great burden to caregivers, and can be treated. For diagnosis and grading the international guidelines recommend the use of psychometric tests of different modalities (computer based vs. paper and pencil). To compare results of the Continuous Reaction time (CRT) and the Portosystemic Encephalopathy (PSE) tests in a large unselected cohort of cirrhosis patients without clinically detectable brain impairment and to clinically characterize the patients according to their test results. The CRT method is a 10-minute computerized test of a patient's motor reaction time stability (CRTindex) to 150 auditory stimuli. The PSE test is a 20-minute paper-pencil test evaluating psychomotor speed. Both tests were performed at the same occasion in 129 patients. Both tests were normal in only 36% (n = 46) of the patients and this group had the best quality of life, a normal CRP, a low risk of subsequent overt HE, and a low short term mortality. Either the CRT or the PSE test was abnormal in a total of 64% of the patients (n = 83), the CRT in 53% (n = 69) and the PSE in 34% (n = 44). All these patients had a poorer quality of life, low-grade CRP elevation, moderate risk for subsequent overt HE, and a higher than 20% short term mortality. Both tests were abnormal in 23% (n = 30) of the patients and this group had more advanced cirrhosis and a 40 % short-term mortality. One of the tests was abnormal in the majority of the patients but concordant in only 60%. Most cirrhosis patients seem to have impairments of different cognitive domains and more domains with advancing disease. Two abnormal tests identified patients with an increased risk of overt HE and death.

Nudging into subjectification: Governmentality and psychometrics

The current age of ‘austerity’ is associated with neoliberal ideology. Neoliberalism can be understood as a form of governmentality – a way of reconfiguring selves and the social order in accord with the demands of market economies. A recent UK policy initiative by the Coalition government’s Behavioural Insights Team required benefit claimants to submit to online psychometric testing. We examine this policy in some detail, arguing that this use of psychometric testing is flawed, unethical, and unlikely to help claimants to find work. Our analysis of the test procedure and its results suggests that the policy functions primarily as a means whereby benefit claimants can be ‘nudged’ towards acceptance of the precepts of neoliberal subjectivities.

Narcissism and Christian Leadership

This paper examines the issue of whether Christian clergy are prone to narcissistic character disorders. It reviews two articles published some years ago arguing in opposite ways for the incidence of narcissism within the profession. The first (Meloy) article suggesting this connection is countered by a second (Patrick) who argues, by the use of psychometric testing, against Meloy's claims. This paper brings forward further insights into the discussion. The first is material from Heinz Kohut, a psychoanalyst writing on the charismatic personality within the context of his understanding of narcissistic disorders. In addition the paper considers other more recent material within narcissistic studies which indicate grounds for the plausibility of Meloy's original thesis.

Evaluating the MBTI® Form M in a South African context

Orientation: Psychological instruments require continued refinement, updating and evaluation.Research purpose: To investigate the reliability, validity and differential item functioning of the MBTI® Form M across groups in South Africa using Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT) methods.Motivation for the study: To add to the continual research and improvement of the MBTI® Form M through the investigation of its psychometric properties across groups in South Africa.Research design, approach and method: This study falls within the quantitative research paradigm. Classical test theory methods and Rasch analysis were used to evaluate the functioning of the MBTI Form M across gender and ethnic groups. A cross-sectional study was completed consisting of 10 705 South African respondents.Main findings: Excellent reliability was found for the instrument across groups in the sample. Good evidence for construct validity was found using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Some evidence for uniform bias was found across ethnic and gender groups and a few items reflected non-uniform DIF across gender groups only. The effect of uniform and non-uniform DIF did not appear to have major practical implications for the interpretation of the scales.Practical/managerial implications: The results provided evidence that supports the psychometric validity of the MBTI instrument in the South African context.Contribution/value-add: This study is the largest study to date regarding the psychometric functioning of the MBTI instrument in South Africa. It contributes to the evolution of the instrument in line with the legislative requirements concerning the use of psychometric tests in South Africa.