Learning objectives
- To bring specific knowledge about theoric issues, opportunities and criticisms concerning psychometric assessment in various psychological dimensions (clinic, work, social psychology, etc.); <br />
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- To sensitize toward a critic and responsible employing of psychometric instruments, allowing an autonomus comprehension of the actual validity and reliability of available tests.<br />
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- To describe the specific assessment instruments more frequently used in clinic practice and research. <br />
Prerequisites
<p>It is advisable a previous knowledge of both following exams: Psychology of Personality and Probability and mathematic statistics.</p>
Course unit content
- History of psychometric assessment: from Galton to today; <br />
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- Psychometric models: Classic error theory and Item response theory; <br />
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- Validity and reliability of psychometric instruments; <br />
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- Three methods to build up a test; criterium oriented method, factorial method, item analisys method; <br />
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- Maximum performance tests: intelligence and ability. Theoric issues and description of main instruments. <br />
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- Tipical performance tests: attitudes, personality and clinica dimensions. Theoric issues and description of main instruments. <br />
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- Psychometric assessment ethic: deontology, warnings and limits of test using, above all in specific populations (for age or cultural specificity). <br />
Full programme
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Bibliography
Pedrabissi, L., Santinello, M. (2004). I test psicologici. Teorie e tecniche. Bologna: Il Mulino <br />
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Pelosi, A. (2006). Psicometria. Parma: UNI.NOVA. <br />
Teaching methods
Lessons are only frontal ones. <br />
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The final assessment is composed by:<br />
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- a written exam, in order the verify the learning of basic theoric elements; <br />
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- a practical test: the construction (small group or individual) of a questionnaire, concerning a psychological, freely choosed issue. <br />
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- an optional oral examen. <br />
Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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