Psychology assessment is a process of testing that uses a combination of techniques to help understand or hypothesis the person’s behaviour, personalities and capacities. Psychological assessment — also known as psychological testing — is done to help a psychologist better understand an individual and provide valuable insights into the individual’s behaviour, skills, thoughts and personality. Psychological testing commonly includes intelligence testing, personality testing, and skills testing, among other areas.
Psychological assessment is never focused on a single test score or number. Every person has a range of competencies that can be evaluated through a number of methods. A psychologist is there to evaluate the competencies as well as the limitations of the person, and report on them in an objective but helpful manner. A psychological assessment report will not only note weaknesses found in testing, but also the individual’s strengths.
Psychological assessment is a powerful tool, but its effectiveness depends upon the skill and knowledge of the person administering and interpreting the test. When used wisely and in a cautious manner, psychological assessment can help a person learns more about themselves and gain valuable insights.
Psychological testing is divided into four primary types
- Clinical Interview
- Assessment of Intellectual Functioning (IQ)
- Personality Assessment
- Behavioural Assessment
In addition to these primary types of psychological assessment, other kinds of psychological tests are available for specific areas, such as aptitude or achievement in school, career or work counselling, management skills, and career planning.
Psychological tests are not one-size-fits-all!
Psychologists pick and choose a specific set of assessments and tests for each individual client. Psychological testing isn’t like taking a multiple-choice exam that you either pass or fail. Rather, psychologists use information from the various tests and assessments to reach a specific diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
