assessment ethics

Summary

This lecture explores key ethical principles and responsibilities in psychological assessment. It emphasizes the importance of proper training for administering tests, obtaining informed consent from clients, and clearly communicating assessment purposes, procedures, and confidentiality limits. Clinicians are guided on securely handling assessment materials, including proprietary tests, and using valid, up-to-date tools and semi-structured interviews to ensure reliable results. Special attention is given to considerations for children and adolescents, as well as sharing results with appropriate parties. Overall, the video underscores the necessity of ethical, responsible, and scientifically grounded practices in all aspects of psychological assessment.

Takeaways

• 🧑‍🎓 Appropriate training is essential for administering psychological tests, and professionals should only use assessments they are trained to handle.
• 📋 Different types of assessments require different levels of training; simpler questionnaires need less expertise than complex intellectual or achievement tests.
• 📝 Informed consent is crucial; clients must understand the purpose, process, and scope of the assessment.
• 💰 Clients should be made aware of fees and logistical elements associated with assessments.
• 🔒 Limits of confidentiality must be clearly communicated, including who will receive assessment results.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Ethical considerations are especially important when working with children and adolescents, including what information parents receive.
• 📚 Assessment materials must be protected, especially copyrighted or proprietary tests, to maintain their validity and integrity.
• 💻 Testing data should be stored securely, not left in accessible or unsecured locations.
• 📊 Use appropriate, scientifically validated assessment procedures and tools, prioritizing up-to-date and evidence-based methods.
• 🗣️ Semi-structured interviews are generally preferred over unstructured assessments, though unstructured methods may still be acceptable in some contexts.
• ⚖️ Ethics and responsibility are foundational in psychological assessment and will continue to be addressed in future modules.

Q & A

Why is appropriate training important for administering psychological assessments?

Appropriate training ensures that the assessor can competently administer and interpret tests ethically. Administering tests without proper training can lead to invalid results and unethical practice.

Can a licensed psychologist administer any psychological test without specific training?

No. Even licensed psychologists must have training in the specific test they are administering. Without this training, it would be unethical to conduct the assessment.

What is the purpose of obtaining informed consent in psychological assessment?

Informed consent ensures that the client fully understands the purpose of the assessment, the types of instruments used, how the information will be used, who will receive the results, and any related fees or limitations of confidentiality.

Who typically receives the results of an assessment?

Usually, the adult client receives the results. However, in cases of referrals or specific programs, information may also be shared with third parties such as employers, school officials, or coaches, with the client's agreement.

What ethical considerations are important when working with children and adolescents?

Children and adolescents need to understand what information will be shared with their parents and what the clinician will keep confidential. Consent must involve clarity about what will be communicated and who will access the results.

Why is it important to protect assessment materials and data?

Protecting assessment materials and data maintains test validity, respects intellectual property, and ensures client confidentiality. Improper handling can compromise the assessment and violate ethical standards.

What types of assessment tools require less training to administer?

Shorter, basic questionnaires that are easy to score require less training. However, some mental health and psychometric knowledge is still necessary.

What does using appropriate assessment procedures entail?

It involves using psychometrically valid and scientifically based tools, staying updated with current assessment methods, and preferring semi-structured interviews over unstructured ones when possible.

What should be communicated to clients regarding confidentiality and data sharing?

Clients should be informed about who will receive the assessment results, the limits of confidentiality, and how their information will be securely stored and used.

Why is staying current with assessment procedures important?

Using outdated or scientifically unsupported procedures can produce inaccurate results, compromise ethical practice, and reduce the effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment planning.

What is the relationship between the referral question and the assessment process?

The referral question guides the purpose of the assessment, the choice of instruments, and how the results will be used, ensuring that the assessment is relevant and ethically aligned with the client's needs.