Psychological Testing
← Steroids in baseball | Criminal links → |
The previous decade witnessed a very rapid spread of the internet. In the contemporary world, Internet has become one of the major communication networks that have really changed people’s lives in terms of the way they communicate to each other and conduct their daily businesses. Apart from communication and business, another major impact of the internet has been experienced in the practice of psychology with specific application in testing and assessment (Naglieri, 2002).
Nevertheless, the use of the internet in the practice of psychology has raised many concerns with regard to issues such as the security that is guaranteed by internet tests, the reliability of these tests, their validity and the general hardware issues. Several concerns have also been raised about the legal and ethical issues that these tests bring forth with specific emphasis being pointed on their implication on linguistically and culturally diverse groups of people and people with disabling conditions. As such, internet test use presents several limitations and potentials. Even though the internet provides a remarkable opportunity for testing, there is need for a corresponding professional and ethical use of the acquired test results. Psychologists should therefore think creatively on how their practice and researches can be enhanced through the use of internet testing.
In the year 2000, members of the Committee on Psychological Tests and Assessments (abbreviated as CPTA) discovered that the increase in psychological test instruments bring about the emergence of issues such as test administration, validity, reliability, item security and confidentiality of the test taker (Naglieri, 2002). Other issues include: easy access of these tests by people who are not competent enough to administer them and interpret their outcomes and tests which have been changed, modified, or decoded without relevant validation or permission. In addition, it is possible to find some tests on the internet which are not appropriate for some people or groups of people, or tests which are psychometrically flawed. Therefore, the members of this committee found it necessary to create a task force that would examine these issues. They recognized that such a task force would complement on issues such as the provision of mental health services through the internet, application of technology and internet-based research. Later on, this task force was instituted with an extroverted mission of assessing the current practices related to internet-based psychological testing as well as establishing psychometric, legal, ethical, and pragmatic implications of this model of testing. The members of this task force met twice in 2002 to discuss the upcoming issues and problems within the context of internet testing and how to devise proper ways of responding to them so as to safeguard the integrity of these tests and their consumers. The members of this committee realized that many issues which are related to internet testing are very similar to issues that were there in this profession in the past (Naglieri, 2002).
The analysis of the issue of internet testing leads to several conclusions. First and foremost, and perhaps the most significant conclusion is that the existing psychometric standards which include validity and reliability are pertinent, even though the internet tests may be created and administered in different ways. Nevertheless, since there are very many tests available on the internet today, it is unfortunate that there is so much variability in their quality levels. The degree at which the evidence concerning the validity and reliability of these tests is documented is also quite variable since most of these tests do not meet the required standards that have been established in psychological testing.
It is therefore imperative for the consumers of these tests to take the responsibility of assessing the quality of any information which they receive. Unfortunately, very few consumers have the knowledge and skills that are required in order to ascertain the quality of the accessed information. There is perhaps one conclusion that can be drawn from this situation, i.e. internet tests should be subjected to similar justifiable standards using measurement tools in the same manner that is done with paper-and-pencil tests when their outcomes are to be used to construe significant decisions (Naglieri, 2002).
The emergence of new methods and integration of methods, which is brought about by new technologies continues to widen the boundaries that exist between psychometric theories. It is therefore the responsibility of psychologists to test and stretch the boundaries of psychometrics so as to keep pace with new innovations. Even though the internet provides an incredible opportunity that allows for testing, it is worth to note that there is an equal necessity to use these tests in a professional and ethical manner, and with responsibility. There is therefore a need to expand science so as to be able to test the significance of these interventions.
It is also important to demonstrate the validity of the inferences that are made from the test scores which result from internet tests even when the tests seem to be flashing and sparkling. Test validity is a very fundamental issue which needs to be evaluated in terms of factors such as: cost, expediency and availability of internet testing. The benefits of these tests can not be derived if the generated scores are not supported by adequate proof of validity. In particular, the ‘Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing’ provide comprehensive information with regard to the requirements that are needed to validate a particular test (Naglieri, 2002). Therefore, the developers and consumers of internet tests should read these standards carefully so as to ensure that they use internet tests in proper ways.
It is imperative to understand that while the internet possesses a substantial potential as a tool for testing, assessment requires the combination of information that is generated through the internet with other appropriate information. Consequently, what is characteristically obtainable from the internet is testing and not assessment. In addition, the outcome of an internet test may be imprecise due to many reasons, and therefore there is need to have an available expert who will validate the authenticity of the information and help in its interpretation. Even though it is perceived that future methods of internet testing may probably advance to psychological assessment, the necessities for proper psychological assessment surpass the present day internet capabilities. Therefore, practitioners must take this distinction into consideration and maximize on the strengths of the internet and supplement it with their assessment abilities.
![]() |
Steve C.
Marion, NE
|
|
Thank you so much! I was assigned a paper that I found impossible to write. I did the reading. I did the research. However, regardless of my weak attempts, I could not formulate a cogent paper. I needed help, and EssaysEmpire.com’s writers were there for me. Customer service even arranged for me to speak with the person who was working on my paper personally. I had a lot of concerns, because my professor was very picky. However, EssaysEmpire.com was able to handle the order with no problem |
![]() |
Ohjasi O.
Tokyo, JP
|
|
The essay that your writers turned out for me far exceeded what I was expecting. It even came with a plagiarism report to prove that it was original. The customer service center was the picture of perfection, too. I loved everything about using EssaysEmpire.com and plan to use your services again. You are one class act! |
![]() |
Rob B.
Tulsa, OK
|
|
I needed APA formatting, EssaysEmpire.com’s writers gave me APA formatting. I needed 2000 words. EssaysEmpire.com’s writers gave me 2000 words. I needed an A+ on my paper to bring up my GPA. EssaysEmpire.com gave me a paper that got an A+. I am a happy person, thanks to EssaysEmpire.com! |
![]() |
James C.
New Orleans, LA
|
|
I am required to do more writing this semester that I possibly have time for. Right after class, I have to go straight to my job. It’s a good thing I have EssaysEmpire.com to help me out with the writing. You guys always do such excellent work. Thanks! |
![]() |
Nancy T.
Little Rock, AR
|
|
The quality of the work produced by your professional writers is second to none. No wonder you have the reputation for being the best writing service online! You certainly met up to all of my expectations! You’re the best, for sure. |
![]() |
Zola R.
Salulita, MX
|
|
The paper that I bought from EssaysEmpire.com was a whole lot better than I thought it would be. Thank you for the excellent service and product. I will be happy to recommend you to my friends. |
![]() |
Trilly M.
Spokane, WA
|
|
I just had to let you know how much I appreciated receiving a paper back that was of quality that high. I will recommend your writing service to other people I know. You guys do great work. |
![]() |
David H.
New York, NY
|
|
I want to thank each writer who participated in helping with my large project. I know they spent a lot of energy turning out an admirable product, and I feel good for having hired them to take on this important project. EssaysEmpire.com is reputed as the best writing company on the Internet. Now, I know first hand, that you live up to that reputation. I could not have asked for a better deal. |
![]() |
Joyce T.
New Orleans, LA
|
|
I was trying to choose between EssaysEmpire.com and another online writing service and I didn’t know which one to pick. Then, I began to read reviews. I didn’t read even one thing negative about EssaysEmpire.com, and the other site was fraught with complaints. I went with EssaysEmpire.com, and it turned out that all the good things I had read about the service were true. My paper was fully guaranteed, but it was A-1 quality. The customer service people were great. The prices were right. Now, I am a devoted fan. When I need help with my writing, I go straight to EssaysEmpire.com! |
![]() |
George Sparlin
Nashville, TN
|
|
You guys are fabulous to offer such amazing guarantees for your work. I hired you for my last two papers because there was no risk involved. That was a pretty attractive option, if you ask me. Of course, I didnРІР‚в„ўt have to cash in on any kind of guarantee, because the work was perfect! Go figure. Thank you, EssaysEmpire.com. |
![]() |
Delaine A.
Taos, NM
|
|
I had a question about the pricing. As I glanced through the EssaysEmpire.com website, I noticed that they were offering a lot for not all that much money. I spoke to a customer service person and she told me that the prices I saw on the website were accurate. Therefore, I ordered my first paper, not expecting all that much. What I got back was a brilliantly written essay that earned an A+ mark! Wow! I am impressed! |
![]() |
Grace G.
London, UK
|
|
I was quite satisfied with the results of my paper order. EssaysEmpire.com sure has some good writers! I thought it might just be some college kids who were writing in their spare time to earn some extra bucks. No! EssaysEmpire.com hires legitimate writers. They all seem to be well educated and intelligent, too. My paper was terrific! |
![]() |
Bryce F.
Capistrano, CA
|
|
Thanks for the excellent job that you guys did on my history assignment and my bio research paper. I never could have done this on my own. |
![]() |
Langley R.
Los Angeles, CA
|
|
One of the things that I appreciate most about EssaysEmpire.com, is that they don’t resell your paper. Only you own it, if you hire them to write something. Other writing services that I have used, just circulate the same paper over and over, and if you get caught turning one in, too bad. You are expelled. EssaysEmpire.com will even give you a plagiarism report after they run it through their anti-plagiarism check. Such details set EssaysEmpire.com above the rest. |
![]() |
Pete F.
Sparta, NJ
|
|
Dear EssaysEmpire.com, I have never used a writing service like yours before. None of the ones I have tried previously offered the kind of guarantees that you offer. I even bought a paper that was plagiarized once. I never have to worry about things like that with EssaysEmpire.com! Thanks a million! |
![]() |
Stephanie K.
Stowe, VT
|
|
Dear Sirs: Just a quick note to let you know that I appreciate your working on my paper so quickly. I did get it in time to turn it in for the deadline, even though I hadn’t given you much notice. I made a very good grade on it and was much relieved. Thanks again. You rock. |
![]() |
Sharon S.
Dallas, TX
|
|
I greatly appreciate your assistance. Writing has never been my strong point. When I needed help, EssaysEmpire.com gave it to me. I am completely satisfied! |
![]() |
Cleo P.
Oakland, CA
|
|
I submitted my order as a ‘rush order’. I only had 2 days to get my paper finished and I just felt like I was sinking. I didn’t understand the material I was writing about, and I didn’t know what I was going to do. My friend recommended EssaysEmpire.com. I had very little lost by attempting to use this writing service, so I did. It was an excellent move on my part, because, not only was my paper finished on time. It was also excellently written. I will always be grateful to my friend for recommending your service. It is wonderful. |
![]() |
Tricia A.
Calabasas, CA
|
|
Thanks for everything. I like your writing service a lot. Your staff is friendly and they’re always open. The papers that you’ve written for me have been very good. |
![]() |
Steve P.
Portland, OR
|
|
I am beginning to understand why your writing service was recommended to me so highly. Everything you do is a cut above your competition. You’re really great! |