COUN 513 Assessment Techniques
Techniques and procedures of studying the individual and diagnostic process in identifying client issues. This course explores the use of measurement and results in the counseling professions. It offers an understanding of group and individual educational and psychometric theories, statistics, and approaches to measurement, as well as techniques for gathering data and information. Concepts of validity, reliability, and factors that influence measurement are covered.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Historical perspectives concerning the nature and meaning of assessment and testing in counseling.
- Methods of effectively preparing for and conducting initial assessment meetings.
- Use of assessments for diagnostic and intervention planning purposes.
- Basic concepts of standardized and non-standardized testing, norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessments, and group and individual assessments.
- Statistical concepts, including scales of measurement, measures of central tendency, indices of variability, shapes and types of distributions, and correlations.
- Reliability and validity in the use of assessments.
- Use of assessments relevant to academic/educational, career, personal, and social development.
- Use of environmental assessments and systematic behavioral observations.
- Use of symptom checklists, and personality and psychological testing.
- Use of assessment results to diagnose developmental, behavioral, and mental disorders.
- Ethical and culturally relevant strategies for selecting, administering, and interpreting assessment and test results.
- Use of intake interviews, mental status evaluations, biopsychosocial histories, mental health histories, and psychological assessments for treatment planning and caseload management.
- Use of developmentally appropriate career counseling interventions and assessments.