Users of screening and assessment tools must assess the psychometric properties of tests they intend to use and ensure that they meet the criteria for acceptable psychological tests, given their intended purpose. Basic psychometric properties of tests to be evaluated include the following:
- Reliability ‐ the precision of test scores, e.g., to ensure that the repeated administration of the test would yield the same result
- Validity – the extent to which test scores adequately represent a test‐taker’s standing on the psychological variable of interest, e.g., an individual’s level of anxiety
- Classification Accuracy – adequacy of cutoff scores used to indicate whether a test‐taker has, or is at risk for having, a specific condition, e.g., to demonstrate that individuals with depression will score at or above a designated cut off score
- Fairness – the extent to which the test scores are equally reliable and valid for various segments of the population
- Norm Adequacy ‐ whether reference groups used to assist in test score interpretation adequately represent the population for which a test is designated
In addition, the competent administration of screening and assessment measures requires those who use or supervise the use of these tools to have skills and training appropriate for their assigned tasks. Specific training and skills may be in the following areas:
- Knowledge of appropriate measures for the specific referral question (e.g., knowledge of diagnostic systems for psychodiagnostic assessments)
- Relevant information about the specific characteristics of the individual being assessed, e.g., race, gender, language, disability, etc.
- Expertise in test administration and/or scoring