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Psychological Constructs and Tests Solutions

 Psychological Constructs, Concepts, and the Nature of Measurement > Week 1

Describe Psychological Constructs and Tests

Week: 1

Psychological Tests

Activity Description

For this task, write a paper in which you answer the following questions and complete the following:

1. What is a psychological construct? How are concepts and constructs typically measured in the field of psychology? Use the readings and outside sources (if you like) to defend your answer.
2. What is a psychological test? What is the unique value of a test as compared to some other means of getting information about people? Use the readings and outside sources (if you like) to defend your answer.
3. Answer Kline (Chapter 1, questions 1, 2, 5, and 6)

1. Choose one construct of interest that you intend to make a scale on. Provide a conceptual definition of such construct based on existing literature. Provide a brief description of individuals who “possess” the construct or those who may score high on a scale measuring the construct and a person who might score low on the same construct.

Length: 5 pages, not including title and reference pages.

Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards.

Learning Outcomes

1.0   Critique the meaning and implications of measuring psychological constructs.

2.0   Analyze the literature on a particular construct and the current tools that have been designed to measure it.

Introduction: 

Psychological tests are used to measure psychological constructs. The development of a scale, then, must start with gaining clarity on the meaning of the general concept as it narrows down and becomes a specific construct the tool will measure. This week you will explore what a construct is and the relationships of constructs to scales

Be sure to review this week’s resources carefully. These include an introduction and a refresher on descriptive statistics and standard scores that are typically used in psychometrics. You are expected to apply the information from these resources when you prepare your assignments.