| Background
Psychological testing is also being impacted by the Internet. Already, there are many online interactive tests, such as the Goldberg Depression Inventory.
Other online tests are self-scoring and include interpretation guidelines. Most have not demonstrated reliability and validity, and have not been normed for different populations. They should be used cautiously. A review of the
APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct section on Evaluation, Assessment, or Intervention reveals many deficiencies in how these tests have been developed. For example, section 9.06 states:
9.06 Interpreting Assessment Results
When interpreting assessment results, including automated interpretations, psychologists take into account the various test factors and characteristics of the person being assessed that might affect psychologists' judgments or reduce the accuracy of their interpretations. They indicate any significant reservations they have about the accuracy or limitations of their interpretations.
How can this be done in an online test if the tester never sees the patient or knows his/her unique cultural and educational background?
In addition, it is imperative that confidential information be sent via a secure server or encrypted to protect a client's confidentiality. Despite these concerns, use of the Internet for psychological testing will undoubtedly expand as part of the whole telehealth movement.
Interactive Tests Available on the Internet
 NYU Department of Psychiatry
The NYU Department of Psychiatry maintains an online test for Depressio. Click on Self Assessment Tools, which takes you to a list, HEALTH RISK ASSESSORS, which includes Depression.
However, most of the tests available online are for personal growth rather than identification of psychopathology. You can see online administration, scoring, and interpretation in action with the
Keirsey Temperament Sorter a test which is based on the Jungian personality typology. Or try the
Emotional Intelligence Quotient
which is based on Daniel Goleman's work on emotional intelligence.
The Queendom
site lists many online tests, some of which offer interactive scoring.
EXERCISE: Take an interactive online test on one of the above sites
Other Online Assessment Resources
Mental Health Net: Assessment includes links to psychology test publishers, instruments, professional organizations, journals, mailing lists and other online assessment resources, although very few actually involve online testing.
 REQUIRED QUEST ITEM: 28
Assessment
On the Mental Health Net: Assessment site, find a site that contains resources for locating psychological and educational tests.
Record your answer for later insertion into the Quiz. |
The ERIC Test Review Locator
allows you to search for citations to reviews of educational and psychological tests and measures.
The Internet is also being used to send test results for computer scoring and interpretation.
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