Foundations of psychological assessment: Implications for cognitive assessment in clinical science.

We examine psychological assessment within the broader framework of psychology's efforts to build and test useful scientific theories. In the first section, we consider in detail a number of fundamental epistemological, conceptual, and methodological issues that tend either to inhibit or to foster theoretical progress in psychology. In light of these issues, we then recommend that psychology adopt an information-based, quantitative approach to theory building and testing. This approach should help us model the dynamic, stochastic processes underlying human behavior. In the second section, we explore the implications of the issues and strategies that we outlined in the first section for the future of clinical assessment, with a particular focus on the clinical assessment of cognitive processes. We conclude by advocating a conceptual and methodological integration of clinical and cognitive neuroscience in psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Introduction to the Special Section on Incremental Validity and Utility in Clinical Assessment.

This special section focuses on the incremental validity and utility of clinical assessment data. The lack of replicated incremental validity research limits the ability of psychologists to establish their assessment practices on a solid empirical footing. The articles in this section deal with conceptual, methodological, and content issues in the development and use of clinical measures. The authors addressed several aspects of incremental validity research, including (a) the evaluation of the magnitude of validity increments, (b) the use of incremental validity data for test development and validation, (c) the costs of assessment, (d) the use of multi-informant and multimethod assessments, and (e) the treatment utility of assessment. Obstacles limiting the use of incremental validity research to inform and guide clinical practice are also emphasized. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Introduction to the special section on cognitive processes and psychotherapy.

Theoretical models featuring cognitive processes have played a fundamental role in advancing knowledge of psychopathology and its treatment and have emphasized the importance of cognition in psychotherapy. Recognition of the importance of cognition in psychotherapy has led to a number of questions that are addressed by the articles in this special section of the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Cognitive therapy is well represented in the articles in this special section, but therapeutic procedures that do not represent typical cognitive therapy are also examined. The articles in this special section focus on homework in the modification of cognition, cognition in the treatment of anxiety in adults and in children, change in depressive cognitions in children, cognition and rapid change in the treatment of depression, and the role of cognition in the treatment and prevention of depression that is recurrent. Examination of these types of questions holds the possibility of advances in existing treatments and the possibility of innovations in new treatments. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Gender differences in depression and the adequacy of cognitive/behavioural theories.

Comments on methodological and conceptual issues raised in J. M. Stoppard's (see record 1989-29654-001) discussion of the adequacy of cognitive/behavioral theories for understanding depression in women. The author concurs with Stoppard's conclusions but questions her empirical support for such assertions. (0 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Introduction to the special section on measuring cognitive products in research and practice.

This article introduces a special section of the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology titled "Measuring Cognitive Products in Research and Practice." The practice of cognitive behavior therapies—and research on their effectiveness and the validity of the models of psychopathology and therapy associated with these treatments—requires valid assessment of cognition. Cognitive variables can be considered at several levels; the main focus of the articles in this special section is on techniques suited to measurement of cognitive products, thoughts, and images of which people are conscious. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Whither cognitive bias modification research? Commentary on the special section articles.

This commentary reviews key theoretical, methodological, and clinical issues raised by recent research on cognitive bias modification (CBM). The authors identify the major ways in which the new work reported within this special section extends earlier CBM research. In particular, they note that it considers a wider range of participants, includes a greater diversity of symptoms measures, and targets for change a broader array of processing biases than previously has been the case. Furthermore, they point out that the present work develops and employs a more diverse arsenal of bias modification procedures, in some cases delivered across extended periods of time within naturalistic settings. They also draw attention to methodological limitations associated with the current studies, offering recommendations concerning how future CBM research might profitably build upon these exciting new directions while overcoming such limitations. Finally, they evaluate the theoretical and applied implications of the reported findings, discussing their capacity to illuminate the causal contributions made by cognitive bias to emotional vulnerability and their promise concerning the potential therapeutic value of CBM as a clinical tool. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Introduction to the special section on emotion--Cognition interactions and the aging mind.

This editorial previews the articles that appear in the special section on emotion-cognition interactions and the aging mind. These articles examine in older adults the degree to which intact emotional processing affects, and perhaps enhances, what has more traditionally been considered purely cognitive processing. Thus, they help advance researchers' understanding of the complex interplay between emotion and cognition and raise important questions for future research in this area. This set of articles highlights the importance of the recent increase in attention to emotion-cognition interactions in the aging mind. They raise important new critical questions to be posed about cognitive aging when taking into consideration the functioning emotional system. In addition, they also offer novel and valuable frameworks for providing empirical answers to those questions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological Assessment in Asia: Introduction to the Special Section.

Psychological assessment with Asians is an important topic not only for psychologists from Asian countries but also for psychologists in multicultural societies with large populations of ethnic Asians. There is a dearth of information in the English language literature on psychological assessment for Asians. This special section is organized to review various forms of psychological assessment in Asia. The objectives of the special section are to inform test users and researchers of the issues related to cross-cultural validity of psychological assessment in Asia and to introduce examples of adapted and indigenously developed instruments that are culturally appropriate. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Genetic influences on job satisfaction: A reply to Cropanzano and James.

Responds to the points made by R. Cropanzano and K. James (see record 1991-00462-001) concerning the article by R. D. Arvey et al (1989). The authors acknowledge that the Arvey et al study is based on a single design, makes use of a small and special sample, and, as such, is vulnerable to threats of internal and external validity. Nevertheless, after providing a more comprehensive conceptual and empirical context for the study, and after reviewing a number of the issues raised by Cropanzano and James, the authors conclude that it is not premature to accept the idea that work attitudes are partially genetically influenced. Indeed, the authors use behavioral genetic theory, together with data gathered in the Arvey et al study, to make specific point predictions regarding the outcomes of an array of studies that easily can be undertaken. Finally, the authors acknowledge that the comments and issues raised by Cropanzano and James, along with the interchange, can offer directions for future research in this important area. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Introduction to the special issue on methodological issues in psychological assessment research.

Our primary goal in this special issue on research methodology is to explore methodological issues across a broad range of psychological assessment research and to highlight pitfalls and problems that often plague researchers engaged in this pursuit. We believe that the methodological articles in this special issue will serve as an important resource for future research in the field of personality assessment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cross-cultural career psychology: Comment on Fouad, Harmon, and Borgen (1997) and Tracey, Watanabe, and Schneider (1997).

This article uses the theoretical framework of cultural validity and cultural specificity in career psychology proposed by F. T. L. Leong and M. Brown (1995) to comment on the theoretical and methodological issues raised by N. A. Fouad, L. W. Harmon, and N. H. Borgen (1997) and T. J. G. Tracey, N. Watanabe, and P. L. Schneider (1997) in the Special Section on Cross-Cultural Career Psychology. In terms of theoretical issues, the important distinction between etic and emic approaches to cross-cultural research is discussed, as well as the role of the cultural context in understanding vocational behavior. Methodologically, the specific issues surrounding the problem of equivalence of measurement (functional, conceptual, linguistic, and metric equivalence) as it relates to the two studies are discussed. Finally, the importance of studies of both internal and external validity as means of advancing cross-cultural career psychology is highlighted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cognitive analysis of unwanted intrusive thoughts and facial hair: an idea before its time?

Durac (1997, Behaviour Research and Therapy, 35, 371-372) recently attempted a cognitive analysis of unwanted intrusive thoughts and the growth of facial hair. Though provocative, there are a number of conceptual, methodological and clinical issues that are inadequately addressed by this paper. Based on a thorough reading of a relevant body of literature from 1963 to 1994, five issues are addressed in a hirsute manner: (1) the origin of the phenomenon, (2) behavioral analysis of unwanted intrusive thoughts and the growth of facial hair (UIFHG), (3) the role of behavioral exercises in the disappearance of unwanted facial hair, (4) the serotonin connection underlying this disorder, and (5) ethical concerns in the treatment of UIFHG. Finally, important theoretical and clinical implications of the cognitive model are not discussed here: they will be reported elsewhere in a more extensive analysis.     

The meaning of personality test scores.

The process of reexamining the methodological and metatheoretical assumptions of personality psychology over the past two decades has been useful for both critics and practitioners of personality research. Although the field has progressed substantially, some critics continue to raise 1960s-vintage complaints, and some researchers perpetuate earlier abuses. We believe that a single issue—construct validity—underlies the perceived and actual shortcomings of current assessment-based personality research. Unfortunately, many psychologists seem unaware of the extensive literature on construct validity. This article reviews five major contributions to our understanding of construct validity and discusses their importance for evaluating new personality measures. This review is intended as a guide for practitioners as well as an answer to questions raised by critics. Because the problem of construct validity is generic to our discipline, these issues are significant not only for personality researchers but also for psychologists in other domains. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Intersections and disjunctions in process-model applications.

Although addressed to diverse issues in clinical assessment, a number of common themes run through the preceding contributions. This discussion draws out conceptual, quantitative, and methodological points of overlap, and it also highlights certain distinctives affecting immediacy of application to applied assessment problems. It is noted that some methods lend themselves to rather direct application, whereas others require a degree of groundwork in the setting where they are to be used prior to implementation with individual cases. The placement of material from each contribution within formal theory is underscored, and potential returns on this investment are examined briefly. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Paraspinous muscle flaps

PURPOSE: A review of the literature regarding cognitive and behavioral function in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) is presented, including a discussion of methodological issues to be considered when evaluating these patients and research in this area. DESIGN: Sixteen studies were examined that addressed cognition and behavior in children with SCD. RESULTS: Most studies of children with SCD who were classified as neurologically normal probably included a substantial number of children who had experienced silent strokes; this misclassification error likely resulted in erroneous findings of deficits in children thought to be free of brain injury. In most studies of children with SCD-related infarct, investigators failed to consider that patterns of impairment will vary depending upon lesion location. Many studies relied upon data from inappropriate control groups when examining the function of children with SCD. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies should address a number of methodological factors. Brain imaging must be conducted to verify the presence or absence of cerebral infarcts. In children with imaging-verified infarcts, greater attention must be given to the relationship between lesion location and distinct patterns of cognitive or behavioral deficits. Sibling controls are the best choice in studies of children with SCD.     

Have they come to praise Luria or to bury him? The Luria-Nebraska battery controversy.

In a recent series of articles, K. Adams (see PA, Vol 65:0159 and 0158) and C. J. Golden (see record 1981-00184-001) discuss the shortcomings of the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Test Battery. Essentially, Adams questions the reliability and validity of this new test and objects to its premature promotion. Several relevant methodological and theoretical issues, however, are insufficiently explored in these articles. Analysis and evaluation of the content of the Luria-Nebraska in terms of current concepts in neuropsychological assessment are also absent. In the present article, an attempt is made to deal with these issues in greater detail. In addition, the item content of the Luria-Nebraska is carefully reviewed, leading to the conclusion that this instrument is not capable of providing a comprehensive assessment of neuropsychological functioning in its present form. (44 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The State of Psychological Assessment in Asia.

The collection of articles in this special section provides a much-needed examination of the state of psychological assessment in various Asian countries or societies. In particular, the contributors review and critique assessment of personality, depression and anxiety, children and adolescents, and neuropsychological evaluation. The reviews cover the use of, and research on, imported measures (Western derived) as well as indigenous measures that were developed locally. The articles make a valuable contribution toward understanding not only the state of assessment in Asia but also larger issues such as the universal applicability of assessment instruments and the cross-cultural validity of models of human behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Counseling psychology research on sexual (orientation) minority issues: Conceptual and methodological challenges and opportunities.

This lead article of the special issue discusses conceptual and methodological considerations in studying sexual minority issues, particularly in research conducted by counseling psychologists (including the work represented in this special issue). First, the overarching challenge of conceptualizing and defining sexual minority populations is described. Second, the importance and value of scholarship about sexual minority issues are highlighted. Third, challenges in sexual minority research are outlined, using the articles in this special issue for illustrative purposes, and suggestions are offered for consideration in future research. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion of the ways in which counseling psychologists are uniquely positioned to advance knowledge, practice, and social justice through research on sexual minority issues. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Validation of Idiosyncratic Cognitive Schema in Cognitive Case Formulations: An Intraindividual Idiographic Approach.

This article describes a method for the intraindividual clinical validation of a cognitive case formulation (CCF) involving hypotheses about the patient's idiosyncratic cognitive schema (ICS). The two-stage approach begins by testing the convergent and discriminant validity of the hypothesized ICS against the individual's daily ratings of cognition items using confirmatory dynamic factor analysis. The second stage evaluates the extent to which the ICS factor scores predict daily variability in symptoms and distress and further addresses convergent and discriminant validity by evaluating intraindividual cognitive content specificity and the incremental validity of the idiographic cognition factors compared with nomothetic measures of thoughts/beliefs. This approach to validating idiographic assessment is illustrated with the CCF of a woman with comorbid mood and anxiety disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)