TheVocabularyofAppraisal-TroyUniversity.docVIP

 PAGE 176 The Vocabulary of Appraisal A test is a sample of behavior, i.e., a series of tasks (e.g., items) used to obtain systematic observations presumed to represent attributes or characteristics. A test is used as a measurement tool. Measurement is the process of assigning numbers to human attributes or characteristics. Assessment is the use of methods or processes to gather data about, or evidence of, human behavior. Assessment is a preferred term because it (merely) connotes the collection of data concerning the present state of human behavior, whereas the term diagnosis connotes determination of the degree of abnormality. Interpretation is the act of stating the meaning and/or usefulness of behavioral data. Evaluation is the process of applying judgments to and/or making decisions based on the results of measurement. An evaluation program is a program test designed to measure and assess an individual’s growth, adjustment, and/or achievement, or a program’s effectiveness. Tests used in the counseling professions are usually (and generally) classified into five categories: Aptitude Achievement Intelligence Interest Personality Aptitude, achievement, and intelligence tests are sometimes clustered under the heading ability tests. An ability test is a standardized test that measures a test taker’s current level of performance in a specified area of cognitive, psychomotor, or physical functioning. An achievement test measures a test taker’s achievement level in one or more content or subject matter areas. An adjustment inventory is a self-report instrument used to identify personal and social adjustment problems. Cognitive assessment is a data-collecting technique used to assess an individual’s ability to perform mental activities relative to acquiring, processing, retaining, conceptualizing, and organizing verbal, spatial, psychomotor, sensory, and perceptual information. A diagnostic (ability) test measures specific aspects of achievement in a single