Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 25/26.P.5.00

Description Period: 2025./26 academic year pavasara semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Basics of Psychological Assesment

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_385
Branch of Science
General Psychology; Psychology
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Gunita Skaldere-Darmudasa
Structure Unit Manager
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts

Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, vppk@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

Provide students with an appropriate understanding of the theoretical, methodological and ethical basics of psychological research and assessment at the level of the academic bachelor, developing the ability to analyse and critically evaluate psychological research and evaluation methods and instruments based on the principles of validity, reliability, fairness and interpretation, as well as justifiably choose and academic interpretation of assessment results in a simulated or research context, respecting the requirements of use of tests, digital security and data protection without professional psychological evaluation, diagnosis or provision of opinions, and recognising the limits of competence of the bachelor level.

Preliminary Knowledge

General psychology, cognitive psychology, personality psychology, developmental psychology, psychometrics.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.1. Defines basic concepts of psychological research and evaluation (design, measurement, interpretation, measurement error, validity, reliability/accuracy, fairness). 2. Clarifies the basic principles for the selection and use of instruments in an academic context (objective-target group-situation-constraints). 3. Describe ethical, legal and data protection principles of psychological research, including digital testing risks and basic safety requirements. 4. Describe the types of psychometric quality information (e.g. reliability indicators, validity evidence) and their role in interpretation.

Skills

1.1. Find and use instrument documentation (“test instruction”) to determine the purpose, target group, administration conditions and interpretation limitations of the instrument. 2. Select and justify the suitability of the instrument in a simple simulated research scenario based on quality information and ethical/data protection requirements. 3. Analyse the quality description of the instrument and identify the main risks (fairness, digital environment, interpretation error) in a particular situation. 4. Draw up a description/interpretation of academic results for educational purposes, clearly indicating limitations.

Competences

1.1. Observe professional boundaries when carrying out research tasks in an academic environment (no clinical conclusions/diagnoses are made; differentiates teaching interpretation from professional assessment). 2. Demonstrate responsible handling of sensitive data (confidentiality, secure storage, digital security) in study and research tasks. 3. Argue their choice in an academic discussion in accordance with the principles of scientific reasoning and academic integrity.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work
30.00% from total grade
10 points

Structured academic work “choice of instrument and academic justification,” in which a student defines the purpose and design of research, justifies the choice of instrument, analyzes validity, reliability, limitations. Describe data protection and academic reporting (without professional judgement).

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Test
30.00% from total grade
10 points

Analysis of guidelines and ethical fragments; critical evaluation of the test instruction (instrument documentation); mini-laboratory task of psychometrics (calculation and interpretation). Evaluates the understanding of concepts, psychometric reasoning and observance of professional boundaries.
2.

Examination
40.00% from total grade
10 points

Part A – questions on basic concepts of psychological research (validity, reliability, measurement error, fairness, interpretation); part B – Integrated academic scenario (choice of instrument, ethics, digital security, limits of interpretation and conclusions).

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Psychological research and evaluation in an academic context
Description
  • Concepts of psychological research and evaluation: semantic field
  • theoretical framework for psychological research and evaluation
  • assessment objectives in academic and research context
  • Bachelor level competence and Professional boundaries (LV Regulation)

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (pose & use), EFPA

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Psychological research and evaluation in an academic context
Description
  • Concepts of psychological research and evaluation: semantic field
  • theoretical framework for psychological research and evaluation
  • assessment objectives in academic and research context
  • Bachelor level competence and Professional boundaries (LV Regulation)

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (pose & use), EFPA

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Definition and measurement of psychological structures
Description
  • Psychological structures and their operationalisation
  • measurement levels and measurement error
  • measurement accuracy concept in digital environment
  • academic measurement limitations

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Test Construction)

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Definition and measurement of psychological structures
Description
  • Psychological structures and their operationalisation
  • measurement levels and measurement error
  • measurement accuracy concept in digital environment
  • academic measurement limitations

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Test Construction)

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Psychometrics and validity in psychological research and evaluation
Description
  • Concepts and meaning of validity and reliability
  • rules and standardisation
  • limits on interpretation of psychometric parameters

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (validity)

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Psychometrics and validity in psychological research and evaluation
Description
  • Concepts and meaning of validity and reliability
  • rules and standardisation
  • limits on interpretation of psychometric parameters

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (validity)

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Psychometrics and validity in psychological research and evaluation
Description
  • Concepts and meaning of validity and reliability
  • rules and standardisation
  • limits on interpretation of psychometric parameters

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (validity)

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Psychometrics and validity in psychological research and evaluation
Description
  • Concepts and meaning of validity and reliability
  • rules and standardisation
  • limits on interpretation of psychometric parameters

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (validity)

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Reliability and measurement accuracy
Description
  • Reliability types and interpretation
  • measurement error and confidence intervals
  • Digital Test accuracy risks

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (reliability/Precision)

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Reliability and measurement accuracy
Description
  • Reliability types and interpretation
  • measurement error and confidence intervals
  • Digital Test accuracy risks

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (reliability/Precision)

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Reliability and measurement accuracy
Description
  • Reliability types and interpretation
  • measurement error and confidence intervals
  • Digital Test accuracy risks

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (reliability/Precision)

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Reliability and measurement accuracy
Description
  • Reliability types and interpretation
  • measurement error and confidence intervals
  • Digital Test accuracy risks

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (reliability/Precision)

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Fairness, prejudice and equivalence
Description
  • The concept of equity in psychological research and evaluation
  • cultural, linguistic and social factors
  • Digital equivalence issues (formats, devices)

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Fairness), ITC CBT

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Fairness, prejudice and equivalence
Description
  • The concept of equity in psychological research and evaluation
  • cultural, linguistic and social factors
  • Digital equivalence issues (formats, devices)

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Fairness), ITC CBT

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Fairness, prejudice and equivalence
Description
  • The concept of equity in psychological research and evaluation
  • cultural, linguistic and social factors
  • Digital equivalence issues (formats, devices)

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Fairness), ITC CBT

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Selection of psychological tests and methods in an academic context
Description
  • Test selection criteria
  • Instrument fit for purpose and population
  • protected Test use limits

standards: ITC Test use (Test selection)

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Selection of psychological tests and methods in an academic context
Description
  • Test selection criteria
  • Instrument fit for purpose and population
  • protected Test use limits

standards: ITC Test use (Test selection)

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Administration of tests and digital processes
Description
  • Administration principles
  • Online and computerized testing
  • identity, security and fraud risk

standards: ITC Test use, ITC computer-based testing

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Administration of tests and digital processes
Description
  • Administration principles
  • Online and computerized testing
  • identity, security and fraud risk

standards: ITC Test use, ITC computer-based testing

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Administration of tests and digital processes
Description
  • Administration principles
  • Online and computerized testing
  • identity, security and fraud risk

standards: ITC Test use, ITC computer-based testing

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Interpretation of results in an academic context
Description
  • Descriptive interpretation and
  • the uncertainty of
  • its boundary and the risks of reinterpretation
  • The difference between academic interpretation and professional judgement

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (interpretation)

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Interpretation of results in an academic context
Description
  • Descriptive interpretation and
  • the uncertainty of
  • its boundary and the risks of reinterpretation
  • The difference between academic interpretation and professional judgement

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (interpretation)

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Interpretation of results in an academic context
Description
  • Descriptive interpretation and
  • the uncertainty of
  • its boundary and the risks of reinterpretation
  • The difference between academic interpretation and professional judgement

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (interpretation)

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Interpretation of results in an academic context
Description
  • Descriptive interpretation and
  • the uncertainty of
  • its boundary and the risks of reinterpretation
  • The difference between academic interpretation and professional judgement

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (interpretation)

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Reporting of results and academic communication
Description
  • Principles for the presentation of results
  • interpretation of results at bachelor level
  • Digital retention of results and data protection

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Reporting), EFPA

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Reporting of results and academic communication
Description
  • Principles for the presentation of results
  • interpretation of results at bachelor level
  • Digital retention of results and data protection

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Reporting), EFPA

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Reporting of results and academic communication
Description
  • Principles for the presentation of results
  • interpretation of results at bachelor level
  • Digital retention of results and data protection

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Reporting), EFPA

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Reporting of results and academic communication
Description
  • Principles for the presentation of results
  • interpretation of results at bachelor level
  • Digital retention of results and data protection

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Reporting), EFPA

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Ethics, responsibility and awareness of professional boundaries
Description
  • EFPA ethics principles in psychological evaluation
  • data protection and digital security
  • limits of competence and pathway to professional qualifications

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Ethics, responsibility and awareness of professional boundaries
Description
  • EFPA ethics principles in psychological evaluation
  • data protection and digital security
  • limits of competence and pathway to professional qualifications

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Ethics, responsibility and awareness of professional boundaries
Description
  • EFPA ethics principles in psychological evaluation
  • data protection and digital security
  • limits of competence and pathway to professional qualifications

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Ethics, responsibility and awareness of professional boundaries
Description
  • EFPA ethics principles in psychological evaluation
  • data protection and digital security
  • limits of competence and pathway to professional qualifications
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
64 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Psychological research and evaluation in an academic context
Description
  • Concepts of psychological research and evaluation: semantic field
  • theoretical framework for psychological research and evaluation
  • assessment objectives in academic and research context
  • Bachelor level competence and Professional boundaries (LV Regulation)

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (pose & use), EFPA

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Psychological research and evaluation in an academic context
Description
  • Concepts of psychological research and evaluation: semantic field
  • theoretical framework for psychological research and evaluation
  • assessment objectives in academic and research context
  • Bachelor level competence and Professional boundaries (LV Regulation)

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (pose & use), EFPA

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Definition and measurement of psychological structures
Description
  • Psychological structures and their operationalisation
  • measurement levels and measurement error
  • measurement accuracy concept in digital environment
  • academic measurement limitations

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Test Construction)

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Definition and measurement of psychological structures
Description
  • Psychological structures and their operationalisation
  • measurement levels and measurement error
  • measurement accuracy concept in digital environment
  • academic measurement limitations

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Test Construction)

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Psychometrics and validity in psychological research and evaluation
Description
  • Concepts and meaning of validity and reliability
  • rules and standardisation
  • limits on interpretation of psychometric parameters

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (validity)

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Psychometrics and validity in psychological research and evaluation
Description
  • Concepts and meaning of validity and reliability
  • rules and standardisation
  • limits on interpretation of psychometric parameters

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (validity)

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Reliability and measurement accuracy
Description
  • Reliability types and interpretation
  • measurement error and confidence intervals
  • Digital Test accuracy risks

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (reliability/Precision)

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Reliability and measurement accuracy
Description
  • Reliability types and interpretation
  • measurement error and confidence intervals
  • Digital Test accuracy risks

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (reliability/Precision)

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Reliability and measurement accuracy
Description
  • Reliability types and interpretation
  • measurement error and confidence intervals
  • Digital Test accuracy risks

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (reliability/Precision)

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Fairness, prejudice and equivalence
Description
  • The concept of equity in psychological research and evaluation
  • cultural, linguistic and social factors
  • Digital equivalence issues (formats, devices)

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Fairness), ITC CBT

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Fairness, prejudice and equivalence
Description
  • The concept of equity in psychological research and evaluation
  • cultural, linguistic and social factors
  • Digital equivalence issues (formats, devices)

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Fairness), ITC CBT

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Selection of psychological tests and methods in an academic context
Description
  • Test selection criteria
  • Instrument fit for purpose and population
  • protected Test use limits

standards: ITC Test use (Test selection)

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Selection of psychological tests and methods in an academic context
Description
  • Test selection criteria
  • Instrument fit for purpose and population
  • protected Test use limits

standards: ITC Test use (Test selection)

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Administration of tests and digital processes
Description
  • Administration principles
  • Online and computerized testing
  • identity, security and fraud risk

standards: ITC Test use, ITC computer-based testing

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Interpretation of results in an academic context
Description
  • Descriptive interpretation and
  • the uncertainty of
  • its boundary and the risks of reinterpretation
  • The difference between academic interpretation and professional judgement

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (interpretation)

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Interpretation of results in an academic context
Description
  • Descriptive interpretation and
  • the uncertainty of
  • its boundary and the risks of reinterpretation
  • The difference between academic interpretation and professional judgement

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (interpretation)

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Reporting of results and academic communication
Description
  • Principles for the presentation of results
  • interpretation of results at bachelor level
  • Digital retention of results and data protection

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Reporting), EFPA

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Reporting of results and academic communication
Description
  • Principles for the presentation of results
  • interpretation of results at bachelor level
  • Digital retention of results and data protection

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Reporting), EFPA

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Reporting of results and academic communication
Description
  • Principles for the presentation of results
  • interpretation of results at bachelor level
  • Digital retention of results and data protection

standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Reporting), EFPA

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Ethics, responsibility and awareness of professional boundaries
Description
  • EFPA ethics principles in psychological evaluation
  • data protection and digital security
  • limits of competence and pathway to professional qualifications
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
40 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Gary Groth-Marnat. (2016). Handbook of psychological assessment. 6th ed. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, xii, 911 lppSuitable for English stream

2.

Kaplan, R. M. & Saccuzzo, D. P (2013). Psychological assessment and theory: creating and using psychological tests. 8th ed. Australia: Wadsworth Cengage LearningSuitable for English stream

3.

American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association, & National Council on Measurement in Education. (2014). Standards for educational and psychological testing. American Educational Research Association.Suitable for English stream

4.

International Test Commission. (2017). The ITC guidelines for the use of tests.Suitable for English stream

Additional Reading

1.

Cohen, R. J., Swerdlik, M. E., & Sturman, E. D. (2021). Psychological testing and assessment: An introduction to tests and measurement (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill.Suitable for English stream

2.

Kaplan, R. M., & Saccuzzo, D. P. (2009). Psychological Testing: Principles, Applications, and Issues. Cengage Learning.Suitable for English stream

3.

Groth-Marnat, G. (2009). Handbook of Psychological Assessment. 4th ed. John Wiley & Sons.Suitable for English stream

4.

Hersen, M. (2004). Psychological Assessment in Clinical Practice: A Pragmatic Guide. Taylor & Francis.Suitable for English stream

5.

International Test Commission. (2022). The ITC guidelines on computer-based and internet-delivered testing.

6.

DeVellis, R. F. (2017). Scale development: Theory and applications (4th ed.). Sage.

7.

Ministru kabineta noteikumi Nr. 301. Psihologu noteikumi. Publicēts: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 106, 31.05.2018. OP numurs: 2018/106.3.