1Information about a particular individual, as opposed to a larger population.
idiographic information
2The process of collecting and interpreting relevant information about a client or research participant.
assessment
3The process in which a test is administered to a large group of people whose performance then serves as a standard or norm against which any individual’s score can be measured.
standardization
4A measure of the consistency of test or research results.
reliability
5A measure of the accuracy of a test’s or study’s results.
validity
6A set of interview questions and observations designed to reveal the degree and nature of a client’s abnormal functioning.
mental status exam
7A device for gathering information about a few aspects of a person’s psychological functioning from which broader information about the person can be inferred.
clinical test
8A test consisting of ambiguous material that people interpret or respond to.
projective test
9A test, designed to measure broad personality characteristics, consisting of statements about behaviors, beliefs, and feelings that people evaluate as either characteristic or uncharacteristic of them.
personality inventory
10Tests designed to measure a person’s responses in one specific area of functioning, such as affect, social skills, or cognitive processes.
response inventories
11A test that measures physical responses (such as heart rate and muscle tension) as possible indicators of psychological problems.
psychophysiological test
12Neurological tests that provide images of brain structure or activity, such as CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs. Also called brain scanning.
neuroimaging techniques
13A test that detects brain impairment by measuring a person’s cognitive, perceptual, and motor performances.
neuropsychological test
14A test designed to measure a person’s intellectual ability.
intelligence test
15An overall score derived from intelligence tests.
intelligence quotient (IQ)
16A determination that a person’s problems reflect a particular disorder.
diagnosis
17A cluster of symptoms that usually occur together.
syndrome
18A list of disorders, along with descriptions of symptoms and guidelines for making appropriate diagnoses.
classification system
19Therapy that has received clear research support for a particular disorder and has corresponding treatment guidelines. Also known as evidence-based treatment.
empirically supported treatment
20A movement to identify a set of common factors, or common strategies, that run through all successful therapies.
rapprochement movement
21A psychiatrist who primarily prescribes medications.
psychopharmacologist