Research methodsLesson 3 of 3 in the course Psychological assessment and diagnosis

Psychometrics: Measurement, Test Quality, Standards, and Bias

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 4 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Psychometrics concerns how psychological characteristics can be measured when they cannot be observed directly. This lesson introduces latent constructs, the role of psychometricians, and the historical ideas that shaped the field.

Psychometrics is the study of the theory and technique of measurement, especially measurement used in psychology and education. It includes testing, assessment, instrument development, and measurement research.

All flashcards

What is psychometrics?
The study of measurement theory and techniques, especially those used in psychology and education.
What is a latent construct?
An unobservable characteristic inferred from observable behavior or responses.
What does a psychometrician do?
Develops, evaluates, and improves tests and other assessment instruments.
What characterized the Victorian stream in psychometrics?
Its emphasis on individual differences, influenced by Darwin’s ideas about variation and advanced by Galton and Cattell.
What characterized the German stream in psychometrics?
Its roots in psychophysics and scientific study of sensation, shaped by Herbart, Weber, Fechner, and Wundt.

Quiz questions

  1. Why is intelligence considered a latent construct?Answer: It is inferred from observable responses because it cannot be observed directly.
  2. Who coined the term “mental test”?Answer: James McKeen Cattell.
  3. How did Darwin’s ideas influence Francis Galton’s research?Answer: Ideas about variation and natural selection encouraged Galton to study individual differences.
  4. Which distinction best describes the Victorian and German streams in psychometrics?Answer: The Victorian stream emphasized individual differences; the German stream emphasized psychophysics and sensation.
  5. How are reliability and validity related in test evaluation?Answer: Reliability concerns consistency; validity concerns whether score interpretations are supported for intended uses.

Based on the Wikipedia article Psychometrics, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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