BCP Pre-Test Considerations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Informed consent obtained before psychological testing must include which of the following?
- A guarantee of a favorable evaluation outcome
- The purpose of the evaluation, limits of confidentiality, and how results will be used (Correct answer)
- The specific scoring algorithms for each subtest
- Written agreement to waive the right to a second opinion
Correct answer: The purpose of the evaluation, limits of confidentiality, and how results will be used
Informed consent requires disclosure of the evaluation's purpose, confidentiality limits, and use of results so the client can make a voluntary, knowledgeable decision.
Question 2: Which pre-test verification step is most important when using computer-based assessment software?
- Confirming the client's social media accounts are deactivated
- Checking that the software version and normative database are current (Correct answer)
- Ensuring the monitor resolution matches the client's home computer
- Verifying the client's typing speed exceeds 40 words per minute
Correct answer: Checking that the software version and normative database are current
Outdated software versions can contain scoring errors or use obsolete norms, directly threatening the validity of results.
Question 3: A client arrives for testing 30 minutes late. The psychometrist should first:
- Administer the full battery as planned regardless of time constraints
- Consult the supervising psychologist about how to proceed given the shortened session (Correct answer)
- Dismiss the client and charge a no-show fee
- Begin immediately with the most difficult subtests to save time
Correct answer: Consult the supervising psychologist about how to proceed given the shortened session
Altering the order or omitting subtests without supervisor guidance can compromise the integrity of the assessment battery.
Question 4: Before testing a bilingual client, the psychometrist should ensure that:
- The client can read and write in their second language at college level
- Language dominance and proficiency have been assessed and documented (Correct answer)
- Bilingual norms are not used because they inflate scores
- A family member is present to translate during the session
Correct answer: Language dominance and proficiency have been assessed and documented
Identifying language dominance guides selection of appropriate normative comparisons and determines whether a bilingual psychometrist or interpreter is needed.
Question 5: Which pre-test consideration is specific to evaluating young children?
- Verifying the child has completed their SAT registration
- Assessing the child's current fatigue level and scheduling testing in the morning when possible (Correct answer)
- Requiring the child to sign their own informed consent form
- Using adult-norm tables adjusted by a conversion formula
Correct answer: Assessing the child's current fatigue level and scheduling testing in the morning when possible
Young children fatigue quickly, and cognitive performance is often best in the morning, making time-of-day scheduling a critical pre-test factor.
Question 6: A client reports taking a benzodiazepine medication this morning as prescribed. The psychometrist should:
- Refuse to administer the test because results will be invalid
- Document the medication and dosage and notify the supervising psychologist (Correct answer)
- Administer the test without notation to avoid violating HIPAA
- Request the client not take the medication on future testing days without physician approval
Correct answer: Document the medication and dosage and notify the supervising psychologist
Prescribed medications affecting alertness or cognition must be documented and reported so the supervising psychologist can factor this into interpretation.
Question 7: The concept of 'standardized conditions' in pre-test preparation primarily means:
- Every client receives identical test materials printed on the same paper stock
- Testing procedures, environment, and instructions are held consistent with the normative sample conditions (Correct answer)
- All tests are administered in exactly 60-minute sessions regardless of battery length
- The psychometrist must use a script memorized verbatim without any deviation
Correct answer: Testing procedures, environment, and instructions are held consistent with the normative sample conditions
Standardized conditions ensure that a client's score can be meaningfully compared to the normative sample, which was tested under similar defined conditions.
BCP Pre-Test Considerations 3
Informed consent obtained before psychological testing must include which of the following?