Technical skills training in psychological assessment

What is it about?

The use of practice in prepracticum assessment training is extremely widespread (Childs & Eyde, 2002); however, multiple studies have observed practice to be an ineffective method for fostering basic scoring competencies. The aim of the current study was to determine whether the use of practice as a competency training method in psychological assessment could be improved. A conceptual map was developed that incorporates feedback with sequential, cumulative, and increasingly complex practice. This map was then applied to prepracticum training in the technical skills required for psychological assessment of intelligence and personality. In addition to examining errors associated with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, the Rorschach Comprehensive System was also investigated. Using the methods herein, Wechsler scoring errors were significantly reduced within three training experiences to a mean well below published error rates. Training in the Rorschach Comprehensive System also indicated substantial gains in coding accuracy within three practice experiences that remained largely intact at 8-weeks follow-up. Future research of this prepracticum training model, which lends itself to a full range of competencies across training levels, is strongly encouraged.

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