Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Basics of Psychological Assesment
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 Psychology
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.Define the basic concepts of psychological testing and assessment (construct, measurement, interpretation, measurement error, validity, reliability/accuracy, fairness).
Individual work and tests
Examination • Individual work
2.Explain the basic principles of choosing and using instruments in an academic context (purpose–target group–situation–constraints).
Individual work and tests
Individual work • Examination
3.Describe the ethical, legal and data protection principles of psychological testing, including risks of digital testing and basic security requirements.
Individual work and tests
Examination
4.Describe the types of psychometric quality information (e.g., reliability indices, evidence of validity) and their importance in interpretation.
Individual work and tests
Test
Skills
1.1. Locate and use instrument documentation (‘test manual’) to determine instrument purpose, target group, administration conditions, and interpretation limitations.
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 instrument quality description and identify the main risks (fairness, digital environment, interpretation error) in a specific situation.
4.Formulate an academic description/interpretation of the learning outcome, clearly stating the limitations.
Competences
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 your choice in an academic discussion, observing the principles of scientific argumentation 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). |
||
|
3.
Class attendance |
-
|
-
|
|
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychological research and evaluation in an academic context
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (pose & use), EFPA |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychological research and evaluation in an academic context
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (pose & use), EFPA |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Definition and measurement of psychological structures
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Test Construction) |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Definition and measurement of psychological structures
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Test Construction) |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychometrics and validity in psychological research and evaluation
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (validity) |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychometrics and validity in psychological research and evaluation
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (validity) |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychometrics and validity in psychological research and evaluation
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (validity) |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychometrics and validity in psychological research and evaluation
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (validity) |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reliability and measurement accuracy
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (reliability/Precision) |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reliability and measurement accuracy
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (reliability/Precision) |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reliability and measurement accuracy
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (reliability/Precision) |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reliability and measurement accuracy
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (reliability/Precision) |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Fairness, prejudice and equivalence
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Fairness), ITC CBT |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Fairness, prejudice and equivalence
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Fairness), ITC CBT |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Fairness, prejudice and equivalence
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Fairness), ITC CBT |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Selection of psychological tests and methods in an academic context
Description
standards: ITC Test use (Test selection) |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Selection of psychological tests and methods in an academic context
Description
standards: ITC Test use (Test selection) |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Administration of tests and digital processes
Description
standards: ITC Test use, ITC computer-based testing |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Administration of tests and digital processes
Description
standards: ITC Test use, ITC computer-based testing |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Administration of tests and digital processes
Description
standards: ITC Test use, ITC computer-based testing |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Interpretation of results in an academic context
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (interpretation) |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Interpretation of results in an academic context
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (interpretation) |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Interpretation of results in an academic context
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (interpretation) |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Interpretation of results in an academic context
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (interpretation) |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reporting of results and academic communication
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Reporting), EFPA |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reporting of results and academic communication
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Reporting), EFPA |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reporting of results and academic communication
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Reporting), EFPA |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reporting of results and academic communication
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Reporting), EFPA |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Ethics, responsibility and awareness of professional boundaries
Description
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Ethics, responsibility and awareness of professional boundaries
Description
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Ethics, responsibility and awareness of professional boundaries
Description
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Ethics, responsibility and awareness of professional boundaries
Description
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
64 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychological research and evaluation in an academic context
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (pose & use), EFPA |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychological research and evaluation in an academic context
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (pose & use), EFPA |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Definition and measurement of psychological structures
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Test Construction) |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Definition and measurement of psychological structures
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Test Construction) |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychometrics and validity in psychological research and evaluation
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (validity) |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychometrics and validity in psychological research and evaluation
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (validity) |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reliability and measurement accuracy
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (reliability/Precision) |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reliability and measurement accuracy
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (reliability/Precision) |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reliability and measurement accuracy
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (reliability/Precision) |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Fairness, prejudice and equivalence
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Fairness), ITC CBT |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Fairness, prejudice and equivalence
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Fairness), ITC CBT |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Selection of psychological tests and methods in an academic context
Description
standards: ITC Test use (Test selection) |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Selection of psychological tests and methods in an academic context
Description
standards: ITC Test use (Test selection) |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Administration of tests and digital processes
Description
standards: ITC Test use, ITC computer-based testing |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Interpretation of results in an academic context
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (interpretation) |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Interpretation of results in an academic context
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (interpretation) |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reporting of results and academic communication
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Reporting), EFPA |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reporting of results and academic communication
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Reporting), EFPA |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reporting of results and academic communication
Description
standards: AERA/APA/NCME (Reporting), EFPA |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Ethics, responsibility and awareness of professional boundaries
Description
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Presentation
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Presentation
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Presentation
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Presentation
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
48 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 Learning (akceptējams izdevums)Suitable 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. (akceptējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
4.
International Test Commission. (2017). The ITC guidelines for the use of tests.Suitable for English stream
5.
European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations. (2025). EFPA test review model: Version 2025. European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations.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.
Hersen, M. (2004). Psychological Assessment in Clinical Practice: A Pragmatic Guide. Taylor & Francis.Suitable for English stream
4.
International Test Commission. (2022). The ITC guidelines on computer-based and internet-delivered testing.
5.
DeVellis, R. F. (2017). Scale development: Theory and applications (4th ed.). Sage.
6.
Ministru kabineta noteikumi Nr. 301. Psihologu noteikumi. Publicēts: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 106, 31.05.2018. OP numurs: 2018/106.3.