What is psychometric testing?

Psychometric assessment is a catch-all term for tests of your psychological characteristics: intelligence, emotional style, values, abilities, preferences, learning style and personality, as well as type and severity of psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, OCD, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD, aggression and dementia. Psychometric tests are usually conducted by a trained psychologist.

A testing session starts with a detailed in-person interview which covers: your history and background; what outcome you want from the testing session (ie: who will read the report that is generated, where should recommendations be targeted); and discussion of suitable tests. Tests are conducted in several formats: interactive styles, online or computer-based questionnaires, and paper-and-pencil based tasks are the most common types. Sometimes, to get a wider perspective, others may be asked to fill in questionnaires as well (eg, teacher, spouse), but this is only ever done with your permission, and when necessary.  Testing may require more than one session in the case of particular tests.

After the testing is completed, the results are scored and analysed, and a report is prepared, containing a detailed summary of the results, expressed in a way that is easy to understand. The report will also contain recommendations based on your results, your desired outcome, and your history. Your results will be discussed with you in detail, and there is provision for the psychologist to have a conversation about the results with other relevant parties (eg, teacher, manager) if desired. 

How can these tests help me?

Psychometric tests can be used wherever the knowledge of a person’s capabilities and characteristics is useful in making decisions about their future. For example, determining the presence of a learning disability (like dyslexia), or problems with attention (like ADHD), can assist parents and teachers to create an appropriate learning environment for a child who might otherwise be considered “slow” or “naughty”. Likewise, a student in Yr 11 or 12, trying select appropriate subjects and university courses can be assisted with information about their personality and interests to make choices that fit their strengths and characteristics. An adult who is considering a career change may wish to know more about their work preferences, learning style, personality and abilities, in order to find a new career option that suits them.

Why not just test myself online?

While there are tests available online that attempt to measure or assess psychological characteristics, usually they aren’t backed by the same detailed research and study that professionally administered tests contain. Likewise, online tests can’t take into account your particular situation and history in interpreting results and crafting recommendations suitable for your specific situation. Reports generated from these non-professional online tests are not usually considered valid for educational, health or vocational purposes.

Preparing for psychometric testing

Whether the test is for yourself or for your child, there are some simple things you can do to get the best results on the day of testing.

• Try to ensure a good night’s sleep the night before.
• Allow plenty of time to arrive at your appointment so you are not feeling rushed or anxious.
• A testing session may be 1-2 hours, so bring a small snack and a drink to keep your energy levels up.
• When talking to a child about the session, it may be helpful to avoid the word “test”, as this can make some children anxious. Instead, say something like “Dr Bell is interested in finding out how you think and what you can do. She will ask you to play some games and solve some puzzles, and maybe answer some questions.”
• The psychologist will usually offer you the option for a break between tests to recharge, but if you need a break, it is always fine to ask for one and the psychologist will allow for one at the next possible opportunity.
• Feel free to ask questions about the kinds of tasks you will be asked to complete in the tests if you, but be aware that for some tests, the psychologist won’t be able to give you much information, as some tests rely on obtaining people’s natural reactions.

Tests available at Bower Place

This is a list of some of the major tests we use at Bower Place to understand people and their capabilities. Many other tests are available, or can be sourced if appropriate.

Intelligence: The Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities (Third Edition)(WJ-III-Cog) is the preferred choice of intellectual assessment at Bower Place. As well as internationally-recognised results and a range of useful clinical measures (including attention and executive function), outcomes on the WJ-III-Cog are accepted for entry to Mensa for individuals scoring in the top 2% of intellectual functioning. It also provides a suitable alternative test to the Weschler suite of tests, allowing for a repeat or alternative test of intelligence where the Weschler tests have been recently administered.

Ability/Achievement: The Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement (Third Edition)(WJ-III-Ach) is the preferred measure of literacy and numeracy for school-aged children at Bower Place. Results from the WJ-III-Ach can be compared with results from the WJ-III-Cog (and other information) to diagnose learning difficulties (such as dyslexia).

Vocational assessment: Bower Place uses the Genesys range of tests (link) for vocational assessment, including:

• Tests of abstract reasoning, critical thinking, verbal and numerical ability
• Occupational interests profile
• Learning style assessment
• Values and motivations assessment
• Personality assessment
• Occupational personality profile

Intellectual disability:  Vinelands Adaptive Behaviour Scales are used to measure self-sufficiency, personal and social skills needed for everyday living. Provides valuable information for developing educational and treatment plans for people with ID.

Child behaviour:Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment– the Child Behaviour Checklist, the Teacher Report Form and the Youth Self Report allow a review of children’s troubling or difficult behaviour from three perspectives (parent, teacher, self) to determine whether children’s troubling behaviour falls within the normal, borderline or clinical range.

Depression, Anxiety, Stress:The Beck Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the K-10and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale can be used to measure the intensity of an individual’s emotional state.

Personality: Bower Place uses the 15FQ+ system, which provides measures of introversion/extraversion, anxiety, pragmatism/openness, agreeableness/independence, and self-control, as well as a range of other traits, which can be considered in a personal and a professional context. 

When should I consider testing my child?

• When their school results do not match what you know about their capability
• When they are “in trouble” a lot at school or at home
• When they seem to be act like a different child in different environments, or when doing different activities
• When a family history of learning difficulties is present
• When they seem very different to other children the same age – much brighter or much slower
• When they have difficulty connecting to others emotionally
• When they are always “hyper” and cannot concentrate
• When teachers identify unexpected problems with reading, writing, or maths