Psychological Assessment 2500-EN-PS-OB3Z-2

As an introductory course on psychological assessment, the lecture will focus on the theoretical foundations of contemporary psychological assessment, covering its basic goals, principles, strategies, methods and controversies, and will provide an overview of key areas in diverse contexts of application: clinical, forensic, business and educational. An integrative, “scientist-practitioner” model will be emphasized. Professional competences of a psychologist-diagnostician will be discussed – from theoretical and methodological knowledge through technical skills to “soft” competencies such as relational, communicational and cultural competence. The lecture is based on European models of assessment, mainly GAP and a model of psychological competences by Robert Roe, both approved by EFPA (European Federation of Psychologists' Associations).
The course is meant to provide a basic understanding of current and also to some degree historical psychological assessment practices and increase students’ relevant research, and critical thinking skills. Particular attention will be put on presenting empirically grounded approaches and a classical controversy of clinical vs. mechanical (actuarial) prediction and diagnostic judgment. An important part of the lecture is to promote a critical approach to diagnostic methods and a reflection on the conditions of their use, including potentials and limitations of the employment of different methods such as interviews, particular questionnaires and projective tests. The course introduces students to selected assessment measures – those, which are the most commonly used and are of the utmost importance in the psychological assessment domain.