Introduction to Clinical Psychology Bridging Science and Practice

In this chapter, we consider the nature of psychological tests, how tests are constructed, and how clinical psychologists use—and misuse—them. Most psychological tests can be categorized as measuring (a) intellectual abilities; (b) attitudes, interests, and values; or (c) aspects of personality, including psychopathology. Tests can also be categorized according to the kinds of responses requested—some ask for brief, easily scored responses (such as true or false), whereas others require longer, more difficult-to-score responses (such as stories or drawings). We describe the tests that are most commonly used by clinicians and provide information about their psychometric properties and clinical utility. We conclude the chapter with a summary of recent developments in psychological testing.