Psychometric_tests | TriviaQuestions.online

⭐ In the context of mental instability, psychometric tests are considered…

Psychometric tests are valuable in evaluating cognition and behavior, but mental health professionals also rely on observation, questioning, and consideration of cultural and social factors when diagnosing mental disorders.

⭐ Core Definition: Psychometric tests

Psychometrics is a field of study within psychology concerned with the theory and technique of measurement. Psychometrics generally covers specialized fields within psychology and education devoted to testing, measurement, assessment, and related activities. Psychometrics is concerned with the objective measurement of latent constructs that cannot be directly observed. Examples of latent constructs include intelligence, personality factors (e.g., introversion), mental disorders, and educational achievement. The levels of individuals on nonobservable latent variables are inferred through mathematical modeling based on what is observed from individuals' responses to items on tests and scales.

Practitioners are described as psychometricians, although not all who engage in psychometric research go by this title. Most psychometricians are psychologists with advanced graduate training in psychometrics and measurement theory. According to the Dictionary of Psychology a psychometrician "is an individual with a theoretical knowledge of measurement techniques who is qualified to develop, evaluate, and improve psychological tests." In addition to traditional academic institutions, psychometricians also work for organizations, such as Pearson and the Educational Testing Service as well as independent consultants. Some psychometric researchers focus on the construction and validation of assessment instruments, including surveys, scales, and open- or close-ended questionnaires. Others focus on research relating to measurement theory (e.g., item response theory, intraclass correlation) or specialize as learning and development professionals.

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Psychometric tests in the context of Mental disorder

A mental disorder, also referred to as a mental illness, a mental health condition, or a psychiatric disability, is a behavioral or mental pattern that causes significant distress or impairment of personal functioning. A mental disorder is also characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior, often in a social context. Such disturbances may occur as single episodes, may be persistent, or may be relapsing–remitting. There are many different types of mental disorders, with signs and symptoms that vary widely between specific disorders. A mental disorder is one aspect of mental health.

The causes of mental disorders are often unclear. Theories incorporate findings from a range of fields. Disorders may be associated with particular regions or functions of the brain. Disorders are usually diagnosed or assessed by a mental health professional, such as a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse, or clinical social worker, using various methods such as psychometric tests, but often relying on observation and questioning. Cultural and religious beliefs, as well as social norms, should be taken into account when making a diagnosis.

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