There are several different categories of psychological
tests that a person might take, depending on the information needed
by the clinical psychologist. Each kind of test is described below.
Achievement and aptitude tests
are typically used for educational and employment requirements.
These tests attempt to measure either how much a person knows
about a certain topic, such as mathematics or spelling, or how
much of an aptitude a person has to master the relevant material
in a particular area, such as mechanical relationships.
Intelligence tests attempt to
measure a person’s ability to use verbal and nonverbal concepts
to understand the world around them and to make use of information
to accomplish goals. While it is not entirely possible to separate
out what a person has already learned by culture, education or
experience, intelligence tests seek to measure a person’s
potential, rather than what the person already knows.
Neuropsychological tests attempt
to measure cognitive functioning (that is, a person’s ability
to think, speak, reason, etc.). The tests are used typically to
help diagnose the presence and the effects of neurological injury,
for example from a head trauma, stroke, or brain tumor. Neuropsychological
tests assess a wider range of skills and abilities than do intelligence
tests, and are more commonly used in the fields of neurology and
rehabilitation than in clinical psychology.
Personality tests attempt to
measure a person’s style of dealing with personal and interpersonal
information and in problem-solving. These tests measure such psychological
traits as assertiveness or emotionality, as well as patterns of
coping with internal and external sources of life stress –
patterns often referred to as psychological “defenses.”
Personality tests and are most used in research, or in forensic
assessments to help identify the presence of psychological traits
that relate to psychological injuries, or to abilities that bear
upon important legal issues such as parenting ability or mental
capacity. One well known and widely used personality test is the
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). The MMPI consists
of several hundred questions that are answered with a “yes”
or “no” response, often using a computer for test
administration. The MMPI measures a substantial range of psychological
traits and has been thoroughly researched in literally thousands
of scientific studies. Another personality test is the Rorschach
Inkblot Test. The Inkblot Test uses several cards that depict
inkblot designs which the examiner uses to obtain information
about a person’s problem-solving style. This test helps
the psychologist determine how a person processes his or her emotional
state in dealing with problem situations. As with the MMPI, the
Inkblot Test has been subjected to extensive scientific research.
Clinical tests are tests that
seek to identify and measure the presence of specific clinical
symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Some clinical tests also
measure the presence of thoughts and feelings that, while not
directly involving any clinical diagnosis, may indirectly suggest
the presence of clinical issues, such as excessive anger or traumatic
psychological reactions.
The Clinical Interview
is a procedure in which the psychologist and the person being
evaluated exchange information during an interview. The psychologist
uses semi-structured questions to explore the person’s psychological
complaints or feelings of distress. The interview attempts to
obtain information about a person’s current feelings, symptoms,
thoughts, and behaviors, as well as recurring information from
past experiences, that might illustrate patterns that have clinical
significance such as depression or anxiety. The format of the
interview is based partly on scientific research on the best way
to obtain the clinical information.
