What are Psychometric Assessments?

Psychometric assessments are tests that use standardised methods to assess particular aspects of human behaviour. They are carefully designed so that each person who completes a particular test has the same experience - they are presented with the same questions and have the same amount of time in which to answer them. The raw score achieved by the person (usually the number of correct answers) is converted to a standard score by comparing it with a representative sample of people who have completed the test in the past. It is then possible to say whether a person has scored above or below average, and how much above or below. Psychometric tests can provide in-depth psychological profiles of individuals, covering various areas of their functioning, strengths and weaknesses.

Types of Psychometric Assessment

Three main types of psychometric testing are offered:

1. General Cognitive Ability Tests

• IQ/Intelligence tests

The most commonly used tests in Clinical and Educational Psychology. The tests usually assess several different areas of intelligence, e.g. abstract reasoning, memory, perceptual skills, knowledge about common events and speed of processing. These different areas are all measured because intelligence does not develop equally within an individual – the profile of abilities shows that peaks and troughs are characteristic of the scores of most individuals, demonstrating that individuals develop their intellectual abilities in different ways and have different patterns of cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Intelligence tests are one of the two most important assessments to complete when investigating possible learning disabilities.

2. Specific Cognitive Ability tests

• Memory
• Attention
• Visual-perception
• Executive Functioning (e.g. impulsivity, planning, novel problem solving, inflexibility and perseveration, ability to use feedback and moderate one’s behaviour accordingly).

These tests are designed to assess the strengths and weaknesses of certain, specific areas of psychological functioning. They are often used to identify deficits and brain impairments.

3. Attainment tests

• Reading
• Written Language
• Numeracy

These tests are designed to assess an individual’s ability in reading, writing or numeracy, in comparison to what would be expected for their peers. They are usually completed alongside an IQ assessment so that the individual’s skills can be compared to those expected based on their IQ. Attainment tests can be used to detect specific learning difficulties.

For further details about Psychometric testing, please email: Psychometrics@amwpsychology.co.uk