EPPP Assessment and Diagnosis Principles 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A researcher uses a test at one point in time to predict a criterion measured six months later. This is an example of which type of validity?
- Concurrent validity
- Construct validity
- Predictive validity (Correct answer)
- Content validity
Correct answer: Predictive validity
Predictive validity assesses how well test scores forecast a future criterion, measured after a time delay.
Question 2: Which approach to clinical assessment relies most heavily on actuarial data and statistical formulas rather than clinical intuition to combine test findings?
- Idiographic assessment
- Nomothetic assessment
- Mechanical (actuarial) prediction (Correct answer)
- Qualitative analysis
Correct answer: Mechanical (actuarial) prediction
Mechanical or actuarial prediction uses empirically derived formulas and base rates to combine data, consistently outperforming clinical prediction in research.
Question 3: On the MMPI-3, which validity scale detects an overly positive self-presentation and denial of common human flaws?
- F scale
- L scale (Correct answer)
- K scale
- TRIN scale
Correct answer: L scale
The L (Lie) scale measures an unsophisticated attempt to present oneself in an unrealistically positive light by denying minor faults.
Question 4: A child earns a mental age of 10 on a cognitive test but has a chronological age of 8. Using the ratio IQ formula, what is the child's IQ?
- 100
- 115
- 125 (Correct answer)
- 80
Correct answer: 125
Ratio IQ = (Mental Age / Chronological Age) × 100 = (10/8) × 100 = 125.
Question 5: In DSM-5, what minimum duration of symptoms is required for a diagnosis of Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia) in adults?
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 2 years (Correct answer)
- 3 years
Correct answer: 2 years
DSM-5 requires depressed mood present for at least 2 years (1 year for children and adolescents) for Persistent Depressive Disorder.
Question 6: A practitioner uses multiple sources of data (interview, self-report, behavioral observation, collateral reports) to arrive at a diagnosis. This reflects the principle of:
- Nomological network
- Multimethod assessment (Correct answer)
- Sequential testing
- Incremental validity
Correct answer: Multimethod assessment
Multimethod assessment involves using diverse data sources and methods to reduce bias and improve diagnostic accuracy.
Question 7: Which concept explains that a test adds meaningful predictive power above and beyond information already available from existing measures?
- Construct validity
- Incremental validity (Correct answer)
- Criterion validity
- Discriminant validity
Correct answer: Incremental validity
Incremental validity refers to the degree to which a test contributes unique predictive value over and above other available information.
EPPP Assessment and Diagnosis Principles 3
A researcher uses a test at one point in time to predict a criterion measured six months later.
This is an example of which type of validity?