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Testing, assessment, and measurement

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Psychological tests, also known as psychometric tests, are standardized instruments that are used to measure behavior or mental attributes. These attributes may include attitudes, emotional functioning, intelligence and cognitive abilities, aptitude, values, interests, personality characteristics, and more.

Psychological tests may also be used to evaluate mental health, such as psychological functioning or signs of psychological or neurological disorders.

Psychological tests are used in research labs, workplaces, schools, and other settings.

Adapted from the APA Dictionary of Psychology

Resources from APA

Understanding psychological testing and assessment

Psychological testing may sound intimidating, but it’s designed to help you. Psychologists use tests and other assessment tools to measure and observe a patient’s behavior to arrive at a diagnosis and guide treatment.

What APA is doing

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Advocacy

Federal funding for psychological research

APA Services advocates for robust and predictable funding of psychological research at the federal science agencies.

Advocacy

Promoting and defending research

APA Services strongly encourages the use of psychological science in policy-making decisions and vigorously defends the field from ideological attacks.

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Division

Quantitative and Qualitative Methods

APA’s Division 5 is concerned with promoting high standards in both research and practical application of program evaluation, measurement, statistics, assessment, and quantitative and qualitative methods.