Psychological testing in the profession of psychology: an Australian study

Objectives:
In Australia, psychological measurement and testing is a core competency for all registered psychologists. This study aimed to provide a current perspective on the views of Australian psychologists in the use of psychological testing given the lack of recent Australian research.

Method:
Psychologists (N = 821) completed online a demographic form and the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA) questionnaire on Test Attitudes of Psychologists – Modified (EQTAP-M), refined for the Australian setting. Constructs addressed in the survey included test appreciation, training, technology-based testing, attitudes to test use, and self-rated competence. The sample mean age was 50 years, with 84% over 34 years and 20% being males.

Results:
Attitudinal differences, based on demographics and practice endorsement area, were examined. Partial support was obtained for the factorial model of previous EFPA studies. There was no difference in attitudes based upon the gender of the psychologists, but older psychologists reported less favourable attitudes and lower competence for psychological testing. Psychologists holding endorsements in organisational psychology, neuropsychology, and educational and developmental psychology indicated more positive testing attitudes and appreciation than other areas of practice. The application of technology in assessment was identified as an area that warrants further investigation and training.

Conclusions:
The outcome has theoretical and practical implications for professional bodies and educational institutions that develop policies and training programs relevant to psychological measurement and testing.

Key Points:
What is already known about this topic:

Psychological testing competence is a requirement for Australian psychologists.

A broad survey of Australian psychologists’ views on the use of psychological tests has not been undertaken for decades.

Published European studies on test use have revealed mixed results, and data are more than 10 years old.

What this topic adds:

This study shows that psychological testing is a core activity for at least a small proportion of Australian psychologists.

Based on the Australian sample, only partial support is provided for the factorial model revealed in the European studies.

Psychologists’ views on the value of testing, and the impact of technology, vary across certain demographics and psychologists’ area of practice.