Okazaki, S. & Sue, S. (1995). Methodological issues in assessment research with ethnic minorities. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 7, 367-375.

The journal articles are available through the Electronic Reserves (ERES) system on the CSUSM Library and Information Services website: http://library.csusm.edu/

The password is “battery” (lowercase, no quotes).

Recommended Readings:

APA. (1992). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. American Psychologist, 47, 1597-1611.

APA. (2001). Publication manual of the APA. (5th Ed.). Washington, DC: APA.

Robinson, J.P., Shaver, P.R., & Wrightsman, L.S. (1991). Measures of personality and social psychological attitudes. San Diego: Academic Press

Course Description:

This course is an in-depth study of psychological assessment. We will explore test theory, test development, and learn statistical concepts such as reliability, validity, and factor analysis. In addition, we will examine the various test domains including intellectual, personality, neuropsychological, clinical, and computer-assisted assessment. Furthermore, we will discuss issues involving special populations, such as linguistic minorities and the disabled. The course will involve interactive lecture, guest presentation, laboratory exercises, and computer-mediated activities. (Prerequisites: Psychology 100, 220, and 230.)

Course Objectives:

(a) To learn the body of knowledge and research in psychological assessment.

(b) To evaluate and appreciate the range of psychological assessment perspectives.

(d) To integrate the course material with applications in psychological assessment.

Course Expectations:

There will be two mid-term examinations (50 points each). The exams will be comprised of short answer, conceptual, and essay items designed to assess a student's comprehension of the course material. At the end of the semester, there will be a 15-point quiz on the course material.

As a major portion of their course grade, students will participate in a group research project. A team should be comprised of 5 members who will jointly develop, automate, test, and evaluate a psychological survey of their mutual choice. Each team member will lead the group in assembling one of five collective tasks: the team codebook, project instruments, experimental procedures, automated surveys, and SPSS group data set. Each collective task will be evaluated on a 5-point scale and the score will be assigned to each team member. The average score for the five collective tasks will be integrated into each team member’s class participation grade. In addition, each team member will submit a minimum 500-word individual research proposal (20 points) based on the group topic. The proposal should present the background, purpose, and hypotheses for a unique study of the group survey. Each team member will submit 10 items and associated rationale (10 points) toward the construction of the group survey. Teams will work together to finalize the group survey and mutually select three additional surveys (demographic, convergent, and discriminant scales). Each team member will administer the surveys to 20 unfamiliar voluntary research participants. Each team member will compile a data set (10 points) of the 20 participants to be merged with the survey data of other team members. Each team member will individually analyze and interpret the data (10 points) and write up the results in a minimum 1250-word APA style research paper (50 points). A student not actively participating in the group project (e.g., not contributing to the group survey items or data) will receive a non-passing grade for the course. The proposal and research paper are designed to partially fulfill the university writing requirement.

There are four short assignments (5 points each). The assignments include statistical computations, assessing reliability and validity, developing sample survey items, and item analyses. Class participation, such as attendance, readiness to discuss the readings, meaningful and respectful contributions to class discussions, and contributions to the group project will account for a total of 15 points (including the averaged collective task score). Team members will have an opportunity to provide input on the participation level of each team member.

It is the student’s responsibility to retrieve all graded assignments. Graded finals and assignments not by reclaimed by the fifth week of the subsequent semester will be discarded. Students interested in receiving their final paper and course grade earlier than that provided by the university SMART system must submit a self-addressed postage paid card or envelope by the last day of class. Grades cannot be provided by e-mail or voicemail because of confidentiality issues.

Grading procedures:

A letter grade will be issued for each assignment based on the following percentages:

(A - 90% or greater, B - 80-89%, C - 70-79%, D - 60-69%, and F - less than 60%). A minus or plus will be assigned to a grade to accurately reflect the student's level of achievement. In some instances, the distribution of the class scores will be considered in the assignment of grades. Each student's course grade will be based on the student's cumulative letter grade profile, taking into account the weight of each assignment. The following is the list of required assignments and their respective weights toward the course grade.

First Mid Term exam (50 points) (20%)

Second Mid Term exam (50 points) (20%)

Final Research Paper (50 points) (20%)

Individual Research Proposal (20 points) ( 8%)

Four Assignments (20 total points) ( 8%)

Quiz (15 points) ( 6%)

Class participation (15 points) ( 6%)

Individual Survey Items (10 points) ( 4%)

Individual Data (10 points) ( 4%)

Individual Data Analyses (10 points) ( 4%)

250 total points 100%

All assignments are expected on time. Late assignments will be deducted at least one letter grade for each passing day that the assignment is late. Make up exams are not permitted, unless there are catastrophic circumstances. With consent of the instructor, extra credit may be sought for an instance of atypical poor performance on an exam.

Academic Dishonesty:

Serious and unethical academic misconduct, such as plagiarism, falsifying data, and cheating, threatens academic integrity. Plagiarism is representing some other person's ideas or writings as your own. Students must use APA style for acknowledging the original author or source. Academic dishonesty will result in an F grade for the assignment and may lead to further disciplinary action, such as an F grade for the course or expulsion from the university.

Office Hours:

Tuesdays 1130-1230 or by appointment

Office: UNIV 308

Phone: 760.750.4094

E-mail: ggonz@csusm.edu

Website: http://www.csusm.edu/gonzalez/