Course Catalogue

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Students will work in small groups to create and evaluate a measurement tool using predominantly quantitative methods, with additional qualitative techniques. Students will generate items to create a tool that measures a psychological construct and is informed by existing literature. Students will then administer their tool and evaluate aspects of its reliability, validity and applicability, and write an independent test manual of these procedures. 

Four one hour lectures.

Three 2 hour lab sessions.

Online support via Moodle forums (1 hour per week)

Entry to Honours Psychology is guaranteed by a B2 average over Psychology 2A and 2B. If taking this course in year 4 a satisfactory performance in level 3 honours is required as well as the fulfilment of College regulations.

None

'Test manual (75%) - 1500 words (end of semester)

INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSION. The test manual resembles a traditional report with some minor variation on presentation of content. Students will produce a test manual that introduces the measurement domain, its theoretical underpinnings, a review of empirical research, and the purpose of creating the measurement tool. The methodological section focuses on test development and evaluation, and includes multiple aspects of quantitative and qualitative psychometrics (e.g. reliability and validity). The last section includes a critical evaluation of the tool, its development and further refinement, as well as applicability and relevance (research and/or clinical practice) of the measure.

Project Output: Measurement tool/test (25%) - 750 words (halfway through semester)

GROUP SUBMISSION. Students will submit their test items as well as the iterative process undertaken for their development. Construct definition, rationale, and item generation must be outlined alongside the test items themselves. The usability, relevance, and quality of the measurement tool created by students will be evaluated. The individual items will be evaluated based on how they are informed by the literature and existing measurement tool.'

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

To work in small groups to create and evaluate a measurement tool using quantitative and qualitative methods.

To critically evaluate the theoretical and statistical underpinnings of psychometrics for both clinical practice and research.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Understand the principles of Classical Test Theory, reliability and validity

■ Design and generate a measurement tool

■ Critically evaluate the relevance, applicability and psychometric properties of a measurement

■ Compose and write a test manual to an appropriate level.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.