OVERVIEW

The course aims at providing students with the knowledge of the basics of psychometric theory and the ability to critically evaluate the use and intepretation of psychological test scores.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims at providing students with the knowledge of the basics of psychometric theory and the ability to critically evaluate the use and intepretation of psychological test scores.

LEARNING OUTCOMES (FURTHER INFO)

The course covers the main issues in psychological test administration, scoring, and interpretation of scores. Specifically, it aims at helping students in developing an adequate knowledge of what psychological tests actually measure and the meaning of the scores of individuals that take them.

TEACHING METHODS

Combination of traditional lectures and assignments to be completed between the last lecture of a week and the first of the next

Students can also interact with the teacher and the other students on an online forum (see the Aulaweb website), where they can post solutions to exercises and questions about the topics covered by the course.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course covers the following topics:

• Quantifying and measuring psychological variables
• The link between latent constructs and observable indicators
• Levels of measurement of variables
• Descriptive statistics and standardization of psychological test scores
• Causal relationships between variables
• Types of psychological tests
• Reliability and validity of psychological tests
• Use of psychological tests and interpretation of their scores
• Cultural biases in psychological testing

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Furr, R. M. (2011). Scale construction and psychometrics for social and personality psychology. London: Sage [Chapters 1-6]. 

[Please e-mail to the teacher if you have issues in finding this book]

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MAURIZIO MARCENARO (President)

ANNA ZUNINO (President)

CARLO CHIORRI

MARINA DACCA'

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The first lecture is scheduled on September 27th, 2016. However, lectures on the topics relevant for this specific course will start at around the fourth week of November (please e-mail the teacher in mid-Novermber for further information)

Class schedule

PSYCHOMETRICS

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

At the end of each part of the course, an exam will take place. This is not an "official" exam (hence the participation is not compulsory, nor it affects the possibility to take part to official exams), but its outcome is equivalent to that of regular exam sessions throughout the academic year. At each exam session, students can take any or both of the exams of each part of the course, with no limitation on the number of attempts.

It is a written exam (105 minutes) with six open-ended questions about the course topics.

During the exam students cannot consult books, notes, nor they can use computers, smartphones, smartwatches, or other electronic devices. Any violation of these rules will lead to the annulment of the exam.

Answers must be written with a pen only on the sheets provided by the exam commission (additional sheets are available once the initial ones have been filled completely). Answers written with a pencil that are not graphs or diagrams will not be considered valid.

Each question and exercise shows the highest scores that can be achieved with a perfect answer. The total possible score is 30. The exam is passed with a score equal to or greater than 18.

Once the exam has been passed, students can ask for an optional oral exam through which they can increase their grade to up to two points. This oral examination will consist in two questions about the application of the concepts covered by the course.

Students can reserve their seat at the exam here: https://servizionline.unige.it/studenti/esami/. Note that the website is accessible to up to 4 days before the exam day. If the student has not reserved a seat, the teacher cannot guarantee the participation to the exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Open-ended questions test the ability of the student to comprehensively and thoroughly present theoretical issues in psychometrics, using the adequate jargon and the correct spelling of techinical terms and authors. The answers are scored also grounding on their potential clarity for non-experts or stakeholders.

Exam schedule