Clinical Testing/Interview Reflections
Due April 17, 2009 -- worth 50 points
Introduction to Psychological Studies 202 | Dordt College | Dr. Sherri Lantinga
Purpose: Counselors conduct initial interviews with clients to better understand their background and level of current functioning. Psychologists are the only mental health practitioners trained to administer personality, intelligence, and achievement tests. In this assignment, you will experience what is it like to be a "client" through having a Psychology 378 student practice administering an intake interview, a personality test, and either an intelligence or achievement test. These "examiner" students will ask you to formally consent to this process; they will be trained and supervised by Professor Sandbulte. Complete confidentiality is assured.
Interview/Testing:
(1) Make an appointment before spring break for the first session, which will last about 90 minutes. You will be matched with a Psych 378 student (the "examiner").
(2) Make sure that you arrive on time and ask any questions you have about the process - it should be a learning process for both students. Prof. Sandbulte may sit in part of your session in order to supervise the examiner or answer any questions.
(3) Appointments for the second session will be made after spring break.
Reflection paper: In about 4-5 double-spaced and proofread pages:
(1) Describe your intake interview (how the examiner tried to establish a positive, trusting relationship; the kinds of questions you were asked) and describe the tests you took; keep this section factual/objective.
(2) Describe which 3-4 APA ethical standards best apply to your interview and testing experience. Given your interview/testing experience, how would you revise the APA standards to better protect clients and psychologists?
(3) Evaluation:
- How thorough was the intake interview in covering important background information that would be helpful in a counseling situation?
- Were these tests valid ways to measure intelligence and personality/achievement?
- What changes do you recommend to enhance this experience for future students?
(4) Summarize your paper with a personal reflection on your interview and testing experience. For example: what did you learn? enjoy? What surprised you? Bothered you? Were you treated with respect? Did you feel you could be honest? To what extent would you be interested in a career as a clinical or school psychologist?
Attach an APA-style title page to your paper.
Evaluation criteria: Your paper is worth 50 points, as evaluated with the rubric below:
| Criteria | Excellent | Satisfactory | Unsatisfactory |
| Interview/testing description | clear, factual description of the interview and testing process | description is missing, vague, or fails to separate fact from opinion | |
| Application of ethical standards | 4 APA standards are appropriately identified and clearly connected to experience; recommendations for revision reveal insightful reflection | 2 or fewer APA standards; application is not clear or relevant; no recommendations or superficial | |
| Evaluation of experience | shows strong ability to critically analyze issues related to testing and interviews (comprehensiveness, validity); recommendations for future students are thoughtful and realistic | weak ability to critically analyze tests and interviews; recommendations absent, superficial, or unrealistic | |
| Summary reflection | shows strong reflective ability, self-insight, and analysis of interpersonal situations | reflection is missing or superficial | |
| Writing style |
Writing flows easily with strong transitions and organization; nearly no mechanical errors |
|
Writing is difficult to follow because of transitions or organization problems; many mechanical errors |
| Format requirements |
Perfect APA style (title page, header, etc.); 4-5 pages in length |
|
Numerous APA style errors (title page missing or many errors, etc.); paper significantly differs from 4-5 page requirement |
page revised April 2009