Psychological Testing
Some other important forms of authority do not reside in the medical domain and are based on the awarding of a psychology-related doctorate (and obtaining licensing as a psychologist). The most notable of these assignments of authority concerns the interpretation of results from certain psychological assessment instruments. While those without psychological doctorates can administer these tests, the formal evaluation and reporting of test results must be done by a licensed psychologist. This is the one major domain in which psychologists tend to rule. Medical professionals must defer to the work done by and outcomes generated by assessment-based psychologists.
In brief, psychological tests are used in the workplace (hiring and placement, licensing and development), in schools (determining intellectual abilities, mental health issues, and learning disability), in medical settings (brain damage, anxiety), and in mental health settings (diagnosis and treatment assignment). It should be noted that many psychological tests are not in any way regulated—and therefore are not considered “serious” or “credible” by many licensed psychologists or, as a result, by many other members of the mental health professions. Those used for “developmental” purposes are usually not regulated by a national association or government agencies. However, they may be regulated by the company offering the test (such as use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: MBTI). While the “serious” assessment tools are usually norm-referenced (empirically based), those that are less “serious” are often based on a psychological theory (such as the basis of MBTI on Carl Jung’s personality types).
Many of the regulated psychological tests are considered “serious” (even though there may not be a good reason for anyone to accept their validity). The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), which is widely used in mental health settings, must be interpreted by a qualified mental health professional.” This usually means a licensed clinical psychologist (or psychiatrist with appropriate training). In the case with many of the “IQ” tools used in educational settings, interpretation can only be done by a “trained” psychologist. In some states, this assessor of IQ must be a licensed psychologist. In some states, a qualified “psychometrician” can provide the interpretation.
In general, the American Psychological Association (APA) tends to dictate the terms for use of psychological instruments. The “bible” of psychological testing was produced by APA in association with several other testing organizations. Called Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (APA, 2014), this document provides strict guidelines regarding the administration of psychological tests and offers the following information regarding who can use specific tests (APA, 2014, p. 142):
“A number of professional organizations have code of ethics that specify the qualifications required of those who administer tests and interpret scores within the organizations’ scope of practice. Ultimately, the professional is responsible for ensuring that the clinical training requirements, ethical codes, and legal standards for administering and interpreting tests are met.”
