Page 290 - DEDU502_GUIDANCE_AND_COUNSELING_ENGLISH

Guidance and counseling

Notes (iv) ____ refers to the identification of abnormality on the basis of the symptoms and classification
of abnormality on the basis of the symptoms and classification of the observed charecteristies
of the counsellee.
(a) Diagnosis (b) Case study
(c) Rating scale (d) Cumulative record

26.3 Summary
• Psychological tests are designed to assess the characteristics of people such as their abilities,
attitudes, motivations, interests, needs and values and so on. Psychological test can be defined
as a sample of an individual’s, behaviour, obtaining under standard conditions and scored
according to a fixed set of rules that provide a numeric score.
• A standard test has a manual which provides complete information of how the test was
developed, evidence of its consistency, accuracy and objectivity.
• Psychological tests are classified into different types depending on their content and the way
they are administered. Tests vary in their content depending on the aspect of behaviour that is
assessed, for example, some tests are designed to assess abilities, othersassess motivation,
personality characteristics etc.
• The nine types of intelligences proposed by Gardener are briefly discussed below.
1. Linguistic Intelligence 2. Logical Mathematical Intelligence 3. Spatial Intelligence
4. Musical Intelligence 5. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence 6. Interpersonal Intelligence
7. Intrapersonal Intelligence 8. Naturalistic Intelligence 9. Existential Intelligence
• Aptitude is thought of as a natural tendency, special ability, or capacity or cluster of abilities.
• Aptitude tests may potentially be used by counselors and others because.
• There are different types of aptitude tests. Some of them are single aptitude tests like tests of
mechanical aptitude, clerical aptitude, teaching aptitude, musical aptitude and so on. Such
tests covering a group of related abilities are necessary for performing in an occupation like
becoming a mechanic, clerk, teacher, musician etc.
• A commonly know Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT). Bennett, Seashore and Wesman (1984)
battery consists of eight subtests of verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning abstract reasoning,
spatial reasoning, clerical speed and accuracy, mechanical reasoning, language usage
• It is important that counselors select and use aptitude tests carefully, keeping in view the
student’s/clients needs. If aptitude test data must be used, it should be used along with
previous achievement data, present interests, leisure time activities and work habits etc
• Achievement is what one successfully accomplishes in an area of study/activity/domain. In
the case of students, it may be conceptualized as successful learning of the assigned educational
material.
• Achievement tests are of different kinds, each scoring a different purpose and providing different
information on students’ academic proficiency.
• Formative and Summative Tests : Formative tests are used to measure progress made in
knowledge and skills before and during instruction.
• Progonostic tests
• Diagnostic Test
• Counselors can also use the achievement tests for :
• Helping clients in decision making. A counselor can use the achievement test scores to initiate
decision on taking appropriate choice for a career.

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