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Selection & Administration

Selection and administration of test battery is a topic which covers many arenas of psychological practice. Here we focus on how psychologists select and use standardised test batteries in the community contexts of Singapore.

Using standardised psychological tests is one of the four components of psychological assessments (i.e., clinical interview, behavioural observation, record review, standardised psychological tests). It is paramount that selection and administration of psychological test battery is performed by a qualified or a supervised user. They understand the specific circumstances for assessment, e.g. client characteristics, in order to determine which test is suitable for the purpose of assessment. In addition, psychologists are expected to:

• Evaluate the factors when selecting and administering test battery such as types of psychological tests, psychometric properties of tests, test user qualifications and administration of tests in contexts of disability and mental health

• Make sound decisions on selection of tests by considering additional relevant factors such as testing clients from diverse cultural and linguistic background or clients with disabilities

• Be organised and meticulous in following test procedures as well as demonstrate adaptability to manage special and challenging situations and rapport building skills with clients

Here are some ideas and resources to spark your learning and thinking: 

Guidelines for Selecting Appropriate Tests

McDivitt & Gibson (2003) – Guidelines for Selecting Appropriate Tests

The guidelines include understanding the purpose of the assessment, determining the quality of the assessment and how to select appropriate tests.

You can view the article here.

Overview of Psychological Testing

Chapter 3 Overview of Psychological Testing, Psychological Testing in the Service of Disability Determination.

When selecting a psychological test, it is important to evaluate the quality of psychological tests and ensure the consistency, accuracy of interpretations and use, and fairness of the tools across different groups in population. Psychologists can understand the psychometric properties by studying the test reliability, validity and fairness. More information on psychometric properties of tests can be found here.

ETHICS & PROFESSIONAL GUIDELINE ON TEST ADMINISTRATION

Singapore Psychological Society (2019) - SPS Code of Ethics

According to the SPS Code of Ethics, practices of psychology shall not be performed by unqualified persons in order to protect the clients’ welfare and interests. Read here.

MOE (2018) - Professional Practice Guidelines: Psycho-educational Assessment and Placement of Students with Special Educational Needs

Psychological test publishers stipulate the minimum qualifications and requirements for test administration. It is the responsibility of the test users to check these requirements before they embark on administering the tests. MOE advises that access and use of certain psychological tests are restricted to registered psychologists only or supervised users who are in a planned supervision relationship with a registered psychologist. Read here.

We have gathered some useful tips that are used by our psychologists in this area

Considerations for Test ADministration

Compiled by our psychologists working in the community, here is our shared knowledge on test administration. It includes best practices, and some useful considerations on test accommodation. For example:

Terms used in the tests may be culturally different from what the test-taker is familiar with. For example, some may recognise the word “wardrobe”, but not “closet”.

Testing modifications and accommodations

Do you have a question about the difference between testing modifications and accommodations? Click here to find out.

Assessment tools we use

Want to see the possible assessment tools that are used by our psychologists in the community? Click here to find out.