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Block 1 Unit 4 Ethical Issues in Assessment

1) Define and describe ethics in assessment.

Ethics in assessment refers to the principles and standards that guide the use of psychological tests and the decision-making processes involved. It ensures that assessments are conducted professionally, in the best interests of all concerned, and that decisions are made based on dependable and relevant information.

2) What are the 10 fallacies in psychological assessment? Describe the various common fallacies involved in psychological assessment.

The 10 common fallacies in psychological assessment are:

1. Mismatched validity
2. Confirmation bias
3. Confusing retrospective and prospective accuracy
4. Unstandardising standardised tests
5. Ignoring the effects of low base rates
6. Misinterpreting dual high base rates
7. Perfect conditions fallacy
8. Financial bias
9. Ignoring the effects of audio/video recording or third-party observers
10. Uncertain gatekeeping

3) Describe what is mismatched validity and confirmation bias? 

Mismatched validity occurs when a test is used for a purpose for which it is not valid. Confirmation bias is the tendency to interpret information in a way that confirms pre-existing beliefs or hypotheses.

4) Describe unstandardising standardised tests. 

Unstandardising standardised tests refers to altering the administration or scoring procedures of a test, thereby compromising its validity and reliability.

5) What is ignoring effects of audio and video recording? 

Ignoring the effects of audio and video recording means not considering how the presence of recording devices or third-party observers can alter a person's responses during an assessment.

6) Describe uncertain gate keeping

Uncertain gatekeeping involves the psychologist's role as a custodian of sensitive information, where they must make decisions about who has access to assessment results, while adhering to legal, ethical, and practical frameworks.

7) Describe the importance of APA ethics code. 

The importance of the APA ethics code lies in the fact that it provides a framework for psychologists to ensure ethical behaviour in all aspects of their professional roles, including testing. The code provides principles and standards to guide psychologists' use of psychological tests.

8) Describe in detail the principles and standards for assessment in APA code of ethics? 

The APA code of ethics includes:

• General principles, such as competence, integrity, professional responsibility, respect for people's rights, concern for others' welfare, and social responsibility.
• Specific ethical standards, including standards for evaluation, assessment, and intervention that relate directly to testing. These standards cover the proper use of tests, test development, familiarity with test limitations, interpretation of results, qualifications of test users, and maintenance of test integrity.

9) What are ethical principles? 

Ethical principles are broad guidelines that inform psychologists' professional conduct, such as maintaining competence, acting with integrity, respecting people's rights, and promoting welfare.

10) What do you understand by ethical standards? 

Ethical standards are specific rules that address specific aspects of psychological practice, such as assessment, therapy, and research. They provide more concrete guidance than the general ethical principles.

11) Describe standards for educational and psychological tests

Standards for educational and psychological tests include technical aspects of validity, reliability, and norms; professional standards for test use; specific applications, such as testing linguistic minorities; and test administration procedures.

12) What is meant by informed consent? 

Informed consent means that an individual has agreed to be evaluated after being informed of the reasons for testing, how the data will be used, possible consequences, and who will have access to the information.

13) Describe the various issues involved in confidentiality. 

The various issues involved in confidentiality include respecting the right to privacy and ensuring that client information is only shared with appropriate parties. It also involves understanding legal obligations, such as mandatory reporting of child abuse or imminent harm, and the rights and interests of third parties such as insurance companies.

14) What is meant by invasion of privacy?

Invasion of privacy refers to the possibility of an examiner discovering aspects of the client that they would prefer to keep secret, and that this information could be used in ways that are not in the client's best interest.

15) Elucidate the ethical issues in assessment. 

Ethical issues in assessment include the need for competence, informed consent, and confidentiality. Additionally, the psychologist must be aware of the potential misuses of tests, and be responsible in the way the client's information is handled.