Scientific Essay from the year 2013 in the subject Psychology - Learning Psychology, Intelligence Research, grade: A, Atlantic International University (Social and Behvioural Sciences), course: Doctor of Clinical Psycghology (D.clin.psy), language: English, abstract: A century of research evidence on psychological assessment shows that scientist have made several efforts to advance a ''culture free'' tests (Jensen, 1980). Similarly, research also demonstrates that only a few numbers of issues in psychology research divide researchers and the general public as the use of standardized assessments with diverse culture. To illuminate these concerns and possibilities in a concrete context, the article systematically analyse the history of psychological assessment and explains the application of psychometric and socio-cultural framework for psychological tests .This article uses empirical evidence to analyses cultural bias in psychological tests and explores various approaches that describes and examine bias in psychological assessment. Moreover, the paper also explores (1)the taxonomy of bias and equivalence in psychological testing, (2) identifies issues surrounding test bias, (3)explain sources of bias (4) evaluate how culture influences psychological assessment of diverse groups and last but not the least, (5)examine the inference of bias controversy and recommend various processes that remove bias in psychological assessment. Finally, findings reveal that psychological test performance on different cultural group shows different outcomes

The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), for disabled individuals, and their dependent family members, who have worked and contributed to the Social Security trust funds, and Supplemental Security Income (SSSI), which is a means-tested program based on income and financial assets for adults aged 65 years or older and disabled adults and children. Both programs require that claimants have a disability and meet specific medical criteria in order to qualify for benefits. SSA establishes the presence of a medically-determined impairment in individuals with mental disorders other than intellectual disability through the use of standard diagnostic criteria, which include symptoms and signs. These impairments are established largely on reports of signs and symptoms of impairment and functional limitation. Psychological Testing in the Service of Disability Determination considers the use of psychological tests in evaluating disability claims submitted to the SSA. This report critically reviews selected psychological tests, including symptom validity tests, that could contribute to SSA disability determinations. The report discusses the possible uses of such tests and their contribution to disability determinations. Psychological Testing in the Service of Disability Determination discusses testing norms, qualifications for administration of tests, administration of tests, and reporting results. The recommendations of this report will help SSA improve the consistency and accuracy of disability determination in certain cases.

This book provides a practical but scientifically grounded step-by-step approach to the adaptation of tests in linguistic and cultural contexts.

Historically, relatively few investigations in neuropsychology have been sensitive to the analysis of cultural variables. This handbook will assist the neuropsychologist interested in cultural competence and help increase understanding of the link between cultural competence in assessment and intervention and good treatment outcomes. The handbook authors provide an in-depth discussion of the current status of multicultural training in neuropsychology; specific information on diverse groups (age, gender, ethnicity, etc.), assessment instruments, and clinical populations (HIV infected, seizure disorders, brain injuries); and unique analysis of immigration patterns, forensics, and psychopharmacology. This volume is the first to summarize the cultural data available in neuropsychology. A valuable resource for clinical neuropsychologists, school psychologists and rehabilitation professionals.

"Prepared by the Joint Committee on Standards for Educatioanl and Psychological Testing of the American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association and National Council on Measurement in Education"--T.p. verso.

Illuminating detailed methods for assessing bias in commonly used I.Q., aptitude, and achievement tests, Jensen argues that standardized tests are not biased against Englishspeaking minority groups and describes the uses of such tests in education and employment.

"At last - a book that is comprehensive, balanced and sensitive in its approach to the intellectual assessment of minority children. This book will quickly become a standard text in courses on assessment and diversity." --Jonathan Sandoval, University of California, Davis "Congratulations to Richard Valencia and Lisa Suzuki for producing a long overdue, comprehensive and balanced treatment of cognitive assessment for minority children. This volume should prove to be a great value for practitioners and researchers alike." --Terry Gutkin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln "I believe that Intelligence Testing and Minority Students is absolutely outstanding. Valencia and Suzuki demonstrate unusually rich research-based, theoretical, practical, and clinical foundations for treating the important and thorough set of topics covered by the book. Their underlying compassion is also evident throughout the book. I recommend this book to everyone in the field of assessment; it is "must" reading for anyone who tests minority students." --Alan S. Kaufman, Yale University School of Medicine "This book should be required reading for those who work in this field either in a research or clinical capacity, but is especially important for those who have reservations about the use of standardized tests for intellectual assessment. It is a highly valuable reference." --Robert Rueda, University of Southern California "This is a very rich resource on the history of "intelligence" testing and it′s application to diverse ethnic groups. Theoretical and applied topics are well integrated in the discussions. Most important is the inclusion of the record of white supremacy ideology, the issues of cultural salience in measurement, and the issues of usage. I know of no other reference on this topic that is as comprehensive as is this one." --Asa G. Hilliard III, Georgia State University What roles do socioeconomic status, home intellectual environment, test bias, and heredity play in explaining measured intellectual performance between and within racial/ethnic groups? Intelligence Testing and Minority Students provides a fresh opportunity to reexamine the construct of intelligence, as well as its strengths and weaknesses. Viewed as a psychometric tour de force, this work provides a concrete argument for prioritizing the nation′s testing needs as well as the multicultural perspectives of intelligence. Psychometricians and practitioners alike will find this book to be a useful reference in understanding assessment tests and their relationship with minority students. With the rising necessity for better and more comprehensive testing, it has become of the utmost of importance to respond fairly and validly to the diversity of this nation′s citizens. The authors have acknowledged this need by including a thorough discussion of cognitive testing issues as well as an exploration of future movements. From the historical views of testing to the future direction of nondiscriminatory assessment, no professional should be without this must-have reference. About the Authors: Richard R. Valencia, Ph.D. is Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology, College of Education, at The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Valencia′s research and scholarly interests include the intellectual and academic development of racial/ethnic minority students′ historical, social, and psychological status. Lisa A. Suzuki, Ph.D. is Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Psychology, School of Education, at New York University. Dr. Suzuki previously worked as a school counselor and psychological examiner for the Department of Education in the state of Hawaii. Over the years, she has administered over 300 intelligence tests to diverse populations. Her observations sparked an interest in pursuing a greater understanding of the cognitive abilities and intelligence of diverse racial/ethnic populations.