PSYCH 660 Nuetral Assessment Tools Lecture Notes PDF

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PSYCH 660 NUETRAL ASSESSMENT TOOLS LECTURE NOTES Imagine that you are applying for a job and during the job interview they ask that you take an intellectual test that is in another language; the result of this test would be invalid because it does not accurately portray your intelligence level. Psychologist use assessment tools that are neutral to cultures because there could be language barriers, and if language barriers exist then an English based test would produce invalid assessment for that individual who is of a different culture, “The validity and applicability of assessment data can be severely compromised when testing is conducted in a language the testee is relatively unfamiliar with or uncomfortable using” (Fisher, 2013, pg.277). If a person from a different culture who knows little English undergoes an English based test that is meant to evaluate them for psychological disorder, then that individual risk being inaccurately diagnosed with a psychological disorder because their lack the proficiency in English needed to take the test. A psychologist needs to take into consideration the level of English proficiency of an individual who is of a different culture when they attempt to apply and English based test. The limitations of neutral assessment tools is that there are bound to be English based test that cannot be effectively translated, which means that is could be difficult to do an assessment of people of a particular culture that has difficult or complicated translations. Culture neutral assessment tools are important to the ethical practice of psychology because the professionals have a duty to meet to meet the needs of the clients as they go to them, with their different academic skills, economic and cultural backgrounds. It is important for psychologists to consider culture in the process of interview, case formulation, the diagnosis and treatment of culture diverse individuals (Gregory, 2004)Evaluating these group of individuals raises many concerns that psychologists should address in formulating an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan the patient accepts. If the assessment materials are culture-bound, there is a risk of misdiagnosis. The concepts expressed in most ethnic cultures are difficult to be recognized by the average Western clinician. Culture neutral assessment tools face a potential limitation. Tests are just tools and the ultimate obligation for equitable assessment is on the people who develop, apply, interpret and use the tests. The assessment tools present a potential harm if they are misunderstood and also misused. The selection of culturally neutral assessment tool is critical to the ethical practice of psychology because of different languages and language barriers. "Language differences are part of the cultural diversity, rich immigration history and individual differences in hearing and other linguistically relevant disabilities that make up the demographic mosaic of the United States" (Fisher, 2013). Culturally neutral assessment tools help eliminate potential biases. Fisher, 2013 noted "the validity and applicability of assessment data can be severely compromised when testing is conducted in a language the testee is relatively unfamiliar with or uncomfortable using". Further, standard 9.05 state if need interpreters should be utilized to help eliminate barriers. Potential limitations include the inability to fully comprehend the question being asked of him or her. When testing, questions should be asked in a way the testee could understand and not misinterpret the question being asked. Although the question may be asked in their

language, the individual taking the exam may not really understand what's really being asked. Therefore, "the psychologist must ensure the language competence" (Fisher, 2013). The selection of cultural neutral assessments is very important. Making sure that each test can be used across the board without many alterations is experiential. 9.02 Covers many variations. 9.02a is when psychologists administer, adapt, score, interpret, or use assessment techniques, interviews, tests, or instruments in a manner and for purposes that are appropriate in light of the research on or evidence of the usefulness and proper application of the techniques. 9.02b is when psychologists use assessment instruments whose validity and reliability have been established for use with members of the population tested. When such validity or reliability has not been established, psychologists describe the strengths and limitations of the test results and interpretations. 9.02c is when psychologists use assessment methods that are appropriate to an individuals' language preference and competence, unless the use of an alternative language is relevant to the assessment issues (Fisher, 2017). Issues that could arise would be that the tests give incorrect information. The results of cultural neutral test could be inconclusive for the results they need. If a test is not culturally neutral it could pose many limitations to the end results. Culturally neutral assessment tools are critical to the ethical practice of psychology because it helps to the client to be more open and not have to feel as if they are judged by their personal or cultural beliefs. If the assessment materials are culture bound but do not relate to the clients' culture it could greatly affect the results of the assessment. The client may not even know how to complete the assessment because it does not relate to them personally. The potential limitations I foresee encountering culturally neutral assessment tools is the possibility that it would in be inclusive of all individuals. I think that this would be similar to a test that would be religious based and as stated in our text it states "psychologist must ensure that their professional and personal biases do not interfere with the provision of appropriate and effective mental health services for persons of diverse religious beliefs" (Fisher, 2013, p336). The proper use of tests can further principles of fairness and justice by ensuring that all persons benefit from equal quality of assessment measures, procedures, and interpretation (Principle D: Justice and Standard 3.01, Unfair Discrimination). Fair applicability of test results rests on assumptions that the validity and reliability of a test are equivalent for different populations tested (Fisher, 2013).

A test that is a valid and reliable measure of a psychological construct in one population may not adequately measure the same construct in members of a different population, especially if members of the population were represented inadequately in the normative sample or if test validity information has not been established specifically for that group. Standard 9.02b requires psychologists to select assessment instruments whose validity and reliability have been established for use with members of the population tested (Fisher, 2013)

Culturally neutral assessment tools may lead to unfair denial of educational or employment opportunities, health coverage, legal rights, or necessary services (Principle D: Justice) (Fisher, 2013), also some psychologist may make assumptions and have biases due to someones cultural preferences. Not everyone is of the same culture and not all believe in the same religion for instance. So when using an assessment tool it would be very important in order for it to work properly and for one to get the results that they need you would have to make sure that it is neutral when coming to ones culture. Different cultures have different beliefs and this could make the results of the assessment come out differently if it were not neutral. People can have different answers for the same question when it has to do with an assessment and if they were culture bound then it may not fit them due to what they believe in and how they were raised. With our society being so diverse today then the assessment tools that are used in the practice of psychology have to be somewhat made in order to handle the diversity. Due to ones culture being different then someone else it could limit the help that they could receive that they may need. Psychological assessment serves the public good by providing information to guide decisions affection the well-being of individuals, families, groups , organizations, and institutions(Fisher, 2013). They conclude the assessment from information and techniques that come from scientific and professional knowledge and are qualified to interpret the results. Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence and Principle B fidelity and Responsibility of the APA Ethics Code prohibits psychologists from providing written or oral opinions that cannot be sufficiently substantiated by the information obtained or the techniques employed(Fisher, 2013). In order to determine a correct or accurate diagnosis of a client/patient, the psychologist should take into consideration of their cultural background. The dynamic and evolving nature of this country’s cultural, political, and economic landscape creates situations in which population-valid and reliable tests of a psychological contrast may not be available for the individual or group tested(Fisher, 2013). Tests that validate the population may produce inadequate results of assessment. The recommendations of such assessments can cause refusal of employment or entrance to higher education. According to Principle Justice psychologists who use tests without established norms for the individual or population assessed must describe n them repots the strengths of using the specific test results as well as the limitations the use of such tests places on psychologists’ interpretations and recommendations(Fisher, 2013)....