Some effects of combining psychological tests on clinical inferences.

The study was designed to determine whether the reliability and validity of interpretations based on 3 frequently used psychological tests—Rorschach, TAT, MMPI—increased as a function of number of tests employed. 30 clinical psychologists completed personality questionnaires describing 5 Ss on the basis of identifying data alone, each test individually, pairs of tests, and all 3 combined. Reliability and validity did not increase as a function of number of tests, nor were there any differences between tests or pairs of tests. The validity scores for test data ranged from 66% to 73%, with a Mean of 68%. The reliability scores ranged from 56% to 72%, with a Mean of 64%. (18 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Construct validity in psychological tests.

"Construct validation was introduced in order to specify types of research required in developing tests for which the conventional views on validation are inappropriate. Personality tests, and some tests of ability, are interpreted in terms of attributes for which there is no adequate criterion. This paper indicates what sorts of evidence can substantiate such an interpretation, and how such evidence is to be interpreted." 60 references. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Methodology and research on the prognostic use of psychological tests.

This review covers the period from 1952 through June 1959. The methodological difficulties in deciding on sample attributes, instrument selection, and criteria in research on prognosis are examined as well as the problems in determining type of treatment, the selection of the person administering the treatment, and the determination of the patient who receives treatment. The suggestion is made that a 1-stage design, where a predictor is correlated with a measure of outcome is an inadequate design. (178 ref.) From Psyc Abstracts 36:02:2HI77F. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

International cooperation in psychological research.

"The United Nations Assembly has designated 1965, the 20th anniversary of the UN, as International Cooperation Year (ICY)." A 3 man subcommittee of the APA Committee on Psychology in National and International Affairs met with Eugene Jacobson representing the APA Committee on International Relations in Psychology and suggested "4 distinctive categories of projects on which psychologists could work." (1) Cross-National Involvement in General Psychological Problems. (2) Comparative Cross-National Research. (3) Psychological Research on Universal Human Problems. (4) Research on International Tensions. "The APA will play an active facilitating role by maintaining a directory of projects and by providing information concerning work instigated by the ICY." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On the teaching of psychological tests and testing.

The nature of undergraduate courses involving psychological testing "deserve close study and scrutiny, with a view to self-imposed discipline and improved standards, with respect both to the teaching of psychology as part of a liberal education and to the development of psychology to a high professional level." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Assessment of organic brain damage by psychological tests.

Approaches to the diagnosis of organic brain damage reflect diverse concepts of the nature of brain damage and of its behavioral effects. The principal approaches incorporated in published tests and research include diagnostic signs, single variable tests, scatter patterns, and qualitative techniques. A few investigators have used multiple variable batteries. Problems of selection of Ss and neurophysiological considerations are emphasized in the review. Although most tests were designed on the assumption of a unitary concept of organicity, the evidence supports the conclusion that brain damage is a multi-dimensional concept. A sequential multivariate measurement approach, including accurate neurological data, is required. Factors other than brain damage may influence the behavior of brain damaged persons. (75 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The test of significance in psychological research.

The test of significance does not provide the information concerning psychological phenomena characteristically attributed to it; and a great deal of mischief has been associated with its use. The basic logic associated with the test of significance is reviewed. The null hypothesis is characteristically false under any circumstances. Publication practices foster the reporting of small effects in populations. Psychologists have "adjusted" by misinterpretation, taking the p value as a "measure," assuming that the test of significance provides automaticity of inference, and confusing the aggregate with the general. The difficulties are illuminated by bringing to bear the contributions from the decision-theory school on the Fisher approach. The Bayesian approach is suggested. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Predicting success in supervisory training programs by the use of psychological tests.

How valid are the Wonderlic, How Supervise?, and the F scale in predicting success in supervisory training programs? S were students in a supervisory training course in a night school. The criterion was the grade received in the course. "It can be concluded that in this preselected homogeneous group the use of the How Supervise? Scale and the F Scale predicts with a high degree of accuracy those who are able to successfully complete a supervisory training course." Early in the course, the Wonderlic had predictive value but not later. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Why Senate hearings on psychological tests in government.

As Chairman of the Constitutional Rights Subcommittee, Sen. Sam J. Ervin (D-N. C.) has paid particular attention to the procedural rights of Federal employees. He has helped establish the rights of employees to appeal and the rights of employees and their attorneys to see their own personnel files under appropriate circumstances. Investigation by the Constitutional Rights Subcommittee disclosed that psychological test scores and psychiatric evaluations are frequently relied upon by a number of Federal Government departments and agencies in employment situations which radically affect the lives of the individuals involved. We have received numerous complaints that some of the questions contained in the personality inventories relating to sex, religion, family relationships, and many personal aspects of the employee's life constitute an unjustified invasion of privacy. Furthermore, the charge has been made that aside from the invasion of privacy, the procedures surrounding the testing and the use made of the test results present serious due process questions. The Senator commends the American Psychological Association for its testimony at the Constitutional Rights Subcommittee hearings and for its well-considered suggestions of methods for reviewing the procedures and practices of psychological testing in the Government. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Present status of psychological research and training in hypnosis.

Anonymous questionnaires on training and research in hypnosis were returned by 54 of 55 psychology department chairmen with approved clinical psychology training programs and 39 of 85 American Medical Association approved medical schools. 8 psychology departments and 2 medical schools have courses in hypnosis. Unless the "psychological profession is more active in protecting its rights to research and clinical use of a methodology which is basically psychological, it may find itself legally excluded from the field." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Government support of psychological research fiscal year 1957.

"The purpose of the report is to provide information on the amount and sources of funds which are available from the Federal Government for the support of psychological research. In addition, the report reflects the relative emphasis being placed on specific areas within the general field by such support programs and shows the distribution of funds geographically… . In fiscal year (ending June 30, 1957), approximately $15,600,000 were obligated by some 20 departments and subdivisions of the Federal Government for the conduct of research in psychology and closely related areas." 3 tables indicating annual rate of support of extramural research in psychology and related fields are provided; a fourth table indicates obligations by scientific fields for fiscal years 1956, 1957, and 1958. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of medical and psychological tests.

Comments on the G. J. Meyer et al (see record 2001-00159-003) summary of evidence and issues associated with psychological assessment. H. N. Garb et al conclude that Meyer et al did not establish that psychological test validity is comparable to medical test validity. By focusing on meta-analyses, they ignored results for most medical tests and psychological test scores. Furthermore, although it may appear that they routinely summarized results from meta-analyses, in some cases they actually calculated their own effect sizes. For at least some studies, their effect sizes appear to be misleading, making their review of the literature difficult to interpret. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The use of the split-litter technique in psychological research.

The assumption that all genetic factors are held constant in the use of the split-litter technique is examined. On the basis of the available research evidence it can be concluded that within any one litter there will probably be some genetic variation. A decision as to the advisability of using the technique must depend upon whether the control gained over some genetic and environmental factors within the litter compensate for the variability introduced by the unknown genetic factors and other variable factors present within the litter environment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Computer science and the enrichment of psychological research.

An analysis is made of the impact of computer science on research method and theory construction in psychology. The influence is roughly divided into what is described as the Level of Application and the Level of Conceptual Enrichment. At the first level the new discipline is used as a tool to extend the facilities available to the psychologist. In spite of this, it is argued, the simple increase in technical power has led to important differences in the kind of research that can be considered and has been the determining factor in the direction and the extent of the development of various research areas in psychology. At the second level computer science has contributed a wealth of conceptual resources. It has been the source of many theoretical constructs and, even more significantly, has contributed an alternative language for the expression of psychological theory--the language of a computer algorithm which simulates the relevant behaviour. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

"Camelot" and psychological tests: An introductory note.

Author introduces articles regarding public concern about the uses of psychological tests that continue to cause bitter controversy, as well as issues surrounding "Project Camelot", which in 1965, would have been the largest single integrated project in the entire history of social science. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The relation between psychometric and experimental research in psychology.

A discussion of the distinction between experimental research (variables determined by experimental operations) and psychometric research (variables determined by psychometric operations). Indications of how these two traditionally distinct methods may be combined and the resultant advantages obtained are noted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The roles of psychological associations.

"Certainly a strong national association seems important to the continuing growth and development of psychology as a profession. Functions relating to publication, ethics of the total profession, education and training, legislation, communication between large and small groups, promotional activities, and many others… can best be carried forward by a national level through the agency of a central office." National and state associations handle most of the problems of professionalization. Informal socializing seems to be an important satisfaction achieved through the regional association. "Basically, this paper is a plea to each psychologist to become an active participant in all three kinds of psychological associations." From Psyc Abstracts 36:02:2AJ41L. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Differentiating stages of smoking intensity among adolescents: Stage-specific psychological and social influences.

Researchers' understanding of the impact of sociocultural and psychological factors on the various stages of adolescent smoking update is limited. Using national data, the authors examined transitions across smoking stages among adolescents (N=20,747) as a function of interpersonal, familial, and peer domains. Peer smoking was particularly influential on differentiating regular smoking, whereas alcohol use was most influential on earlier smoking. Although significant, depression and delinquency were attenuated in the context of other variables. Higher school grade was more likely to differentiate regular smoking from earlier smoking stages, whereas African American ethnicity and connectedness to school and family were protective of smoking initiation. Results lend support for an interactional approach to adolescent smoking, with implications for stage-matched prevention and intervention applications. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Introduction to the special section on construct validity of psychological tests: 50 years after Cronbach and Meehl (1955).

The middle of the 20th century was a very exciting time to be in the field of clinical psychology and, especially, assessment psychology. Seminal publications during that time clarified the then novel distinction between hypothetical constructs and intervening variables (MacCorquodale & Meehl, 1948), elucidated the concept of construct validity (Cronbach & Meehl, 1955), and described a methodology for estimating convergent and discriminant validity of measures of constructs and the role of variance due to common methods in the associations among measures of similar and different constructs (Campbell & Fiske, 1959). These articles have been the bedrock of clinical psychological and personality psychology assessment since that time. The year 2005 marks the 50th anniversary of Cronbach and Meehl's (1955) article "Construct Validity in Psychological Tests." A submission last year by Smith (2005b) struck me as an excellent time to honor the signal contributions of these psychologists of the last century through consideration particularly of the article by Cronbach and Meehl. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)