Sunday, August 31, 2014

Printed References for Published Psychological Tests





From the FAQ/Finding Information About Psychological Tests of American Psychological Association website - http://www.apa.org/science/programs/testing/find-tests.aspx?item=2

The four most popular, useful and easy to locate printed references for published tests are TIP, MMY, Tests and Test Critiques. The following is a brief summary of these references.
  • Tests in Print (TIP) Publisher: The Buros Institute for Mental Measurements, Lincoln, NE. Most current volume: 7th ed. (2006).
What information is here? TIP is a bibliographic encyclopedia of information on every published (and commercially available) test in psychology and achievement. Each entry consists of the test title, intended population, publication date, acronym (if applicable), author, publisher, foreign adaptations and references. There are no critical reviews or psychometric information on the tests; detailed information on individual tests is available in other reference books such as MMY or Test CritiquesTIP was created to serve as a master index to the whole Buros Institute reference series on tests, including the 15 MMYs and the monograph series.
What tests are included? The only criterion for inclusion is that the test be in print and available for purchase or use. So TIP covers a wide range of tests across psychology, education and achievement.
How do I use it? Tests are listed alphabetically, within subjects. However, if you know a test title, you can flip to an alphabetical index to find it. There are five indexes: test title, classified subject, publisher, name (of authors, reviewers) and a publishers' directory. These five indexes are handy for locating tests by means other than the title or for accessing whole groups of tests for making comparisons (e.g., all tests tapping vocational interests). After you have located a test that interests you, turn to the MMY for more detailed information on that test, or use the directory of publishers to contact the test publisher for more information.
  • Mental Measurements Yearbook (MMY) Publisher: The Buros Institute for Mental Measurements, Lincoln, NE. Most current edition: 17th ed. (2007).
What information is here? In the MMY, tests are listed alphabetically by title. Each entry provides descriptive information, such as the test name, intended population, publication dates, forms and prices, test author and publisher. It also contains additional information on the extent to which reliability, validity, norming data, scoring and reporting services, and foreign language versions are available. Most entries also include one or more reviews of the test and testing materials (e.g., manuals) by qualified psychologists.
What tests are included? The criteria for inclusion in the MMY are that the test be new or revised since the previous yearbook and that the publisher provide documentation supporting the technical qualities of the test.
How do I use it? The introduction contains step-by-step directions for using the text to locate testing information. If you know the test title, you can look it up directly through the alphabetical listings. The seven indexes arrange tests by title, print status (in or out), acronym, classified subject, publisher, name (author, reviewer) and score. These can be used to access tests about which you have limited information or to access groups of tests that fit into the same category (e.g., yield the same score or are all measuring stress).
  • Tests Publisher: Pro-Ed, Inc., Austin, TX. Most current edition: 6th ed. (2008).
What information is here? Tests, like TIP, is a bibliographic encyclopedia containing information on thousands of testing instruments in psychology, education, and business. It provides concise descriptions of tests, with each entry including the test title and author, the intended population, the tests purpose, the major features, the administration time, the scoring method, the cost and availability, and the primary publisher. Also, a scanning line uses coded visual keys to indicate whether the test is self- or examiner-administered.
Tests does not contain evaluative critiques or data on reliability, validity, or norms; this information can be found for selected instruments in Test Critiques.
What tests are included? Tests was created to provide quick and easy access to all tests available in the English language. Several thousand tests are included from the areas of psychology, education, and business.
How do I use it? The book is divided into three main sections: 'Psychology,' 'Education' and 'Business,' with each of these divided into subsections. Tests are arranged alphabetically within each subsection.
Tests has seven indexes, including the test title index, author index, foreign language availability index, and a publisher/distributor index. Three indexes identify tests suitable for special populations: the hearing impaired, visually impaired, and physically impaired. Finally, there is a listing of out-of-print tests, which shows tests that publishers indicate have recently gone out-of-print. Use these indexes to locate information on a particular test or to access whole groups of tests in your area of interest. A publishers directory, also located in Tests, gives names, addresses and phone numbers of publishers to contact for more information or purchasing inquiries.
  • Test Critiques Publisher: Pro-Ed, Inc., Austin, TX. Most current edition: updated annually.
What information is here? This text is designed to be a companion to Tests and contains supplemental information designated as 'not appropriate for inclusion in that directory. This includes psychometric information such as reliability, validity and norm development. The tri-part entry for each test includes an Introduction, Practical Applications/Uses and Technical Aspects, followed by a critique. The Introduction describes the test in detail, including information on the authors and publisher and the purpose of the test. Practical Applications/Uses gives information aimed toward the test user, including intended population, administration, scoring, and interpretation procedures. Technical Aspects includes citations from reliability and validity studies and opinions from experts regarding the technical adequacy of the test. The text is written for both professionals and students, with technical terms explained, and includes helpful information not usually found in other reference books. This makes it a user-friendly resource for students, teachers or persons unfamiliar with test terminology.
What tests are included? Tests are chosen for inclusion based on research on the most frequently used psychological, educational, and business-related tests. Selections are also made based on surveys of professional organizations regarding the tests they would most like to see critiqued. This text is updated annually.
How do I use it? Each volume contains a table of contents that lists all reviewed tests alphabetically, along with the name of the reviewer. Each volume also contains cumulative indexes organized by test title, test publisher, test author and reviewer, and subject. This makes it easy to locate information on a test reviewed in any of the volumes, all in one location. Once you have located and read the review for any test, contact the publisher for more information regarding the purchase of the test. Also, because Test Critiques is a companion to Tests, you can look to the Tests directory for more information regarding any test described in Test Critiques.

    Saturday, August 30, 2014

    Madalas na Tanong - FAQ: 2014 Psychometrician Licensure Exam



    Madalas na Tanong (FAQ)
    at mga ugnay na kawing/linked na SAGOT

    1) What is BLEPP? 

    Board Licensure Examination for Psychologists and Psychometricians is the official name of the board or licensure exam for Filipino Psychologists and Psychometricians that will be administered by the Professional Regulation Commission by virtue of RA 10029 or the Philippine Psychology Act of 2009.


    2) What is  Professional Regulation Commission? 

    The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is responsible for the administration, implementation and enforcement of regulatory policies on the regulation and licensing of various professions and occupations under its jurisdiction. It is the instrument of the Filipino people in securing for the nation a reliable, trustworthy, and progressive system of developing professionals whose personal integrity and spiritual values are solid and respected, whose competencies are globally competitive, and whose commitment to serve the Filipino nation and the whole community is strong and steadfast.


    3) Why do we need to take the board exam? 

    In line with the implementation of RA 10029 or Philippine Psychology Act of 2009, Psychometrician and Psychology is now a regulated profession in the country. Psychology undergraduates/graduates  who passed the board exam will be given licensed to practice their profession as Psychometrician or Psychologist. A license is leverage for new graduates in their job application or an eligibility for promotion or career advancement for those who are not qualified for the grandfather clause of the law.   


    4)  What is grandfather clause?

    The grandfather clause allows individuals to be registered as Psychometrician without taking the board exam for as long as they satisfy the requirements of Sec 17 of RA 10029.



    5) Who should take the board exam?

    The following are the qualifications for those who will be allowed to apply for the board exam:
    (a) Is a Filipino citizen, a permanent resident or a citizen of a foreign state/country which extends reciprocity to the Philippines relative to the practice of the profession; 
    (b) Holds at least a bachelor's degree (note: course/graduates of AB, BS, MA, MS in Psychology/other title for as long as you have taken the 4 subjects or its equivalent to be taken up in the licensure exam) in psychology conferred by a university, college or school in the Philippines or abroad recognized/accredited by the CHED and has obtained sufficient credits for the subjects covered in the examinations; 
    (c) Is of good moral character; and 
    (d) Has not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude. 



    6) When is the deadline of application and the examination date of the first ever board exam?

    Deadline of application is 8 October 2014
    Examination date will be 28-19 of October 2014


    7) What will be the coverage of the board exam?

    As mandated in RA 10029 the board exam for Psychometrician will cover Industrial Psychology, Psychological Assessment, Abnormal Psychology and Theories of Personality. The Tables of Specifications provide particular general description of topics that will be covered by the board exam including the number of items and its corresponding percentages. 
    http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/p/chedcourse-specification.html  (CHED Course Specifications for Psychology Program - provides the course description and  the coverage or course topics.)


    7.1 What are the required/prescribed  textbooks? 

    Wala pong prescribed na textbook/s for the licensure board exam  (like in any board exams) since each school uses different textbooks. Up until now wala pa rin pong Industrial Psychology textbook na authored ng isang Filipino Psychologist widely available sa mga bookstores and used as textbook in the Philippines - correct us if we are wrong.






    7.2 What is outcome-based assessment?

    Dr. Imelda Virgina G. Villar, Board Member of the Board of Psychology of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in her presentation at the Orientation for the Psychology Licensure Exam held on 18 June 2014, she informed a full packed PSSC Auditorium that Psychology will be the first profession to offer Outcome-based Board Exam in the Philippines. Aside from the Board Licensure Examination for Psychologists and Psychometricians (BLEPP) being implemented this coming October for the first time is another milestone in the history of Psychology in the Philippines.
    (AStrategy for answering multiple choice)


    7.3 Do you have reviewer

    Meron po. This blog and our FB fan page serves as our online reviewer.
    (pre-TOS online quiz)



    8)  How to apply?

    First step is to visit PRC's website and go to PRC Online Application System, fill out your information. Then proceed to PRC Application Division and file all the necessary requirements. 






    8.1  When is the deadline?

    Do not wait until the deadline, the earlier you file with 39 days remaining as of 30 August 2014, the better. You may never know what other documents will be requested from you by the screening committee. The deadline is 8 October 2014.


    8.2 What is Certificate of Equivalency?

    From the Chairperson of the PRC Board of Psychology, Dr. Cue; "Some subjects do not need any certificate of equivalency anymore, like Psychological Testing for Psychological Assessment; Psychopathology for Abnormal Psychology, etc. But for subjects not in the list, you have to seek equivalency from CHED. The Certificate of  Equivalency is asked only if and when: 

    a) you finished your degree abroad 
    b) when finished a degree in Psychology by some other name and 
    c) when you took a professional subject in the board by some other name that is not obviously equivalent to the board subject under consideration." 




    8.3 What is CAV?

    In the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 10029 or the Psychology Act of 2009,  applicants whose TOR does not have an SO this rule applies found in: Sec. 13-A Documentary Requirements to the Licensure Examination of Psychometricians, c. Original and photocopy of transcript of records (with scanned picture) indicating the Special Order (S.O.) number, and where school is exempted from the issuance of an S.O. a Certificate of Authentication and Validation (CAV) from CHED.


    8.4 How much to pay?

    Application fee at PRC is PhP 900.00 other incidental fees include - notary fee, documentary stamps, passport size photos, and fees for the application of CAV or Certificate of Equivalency for others which PRC will require.


    8.5 Do you have samples of Certificate of Good Moral Character?

    Yes. Check these links:


    9. Do you have some information or baseline data about this board exam?

    Yes we conducted a survey and we were able to established some basic information about this board exam like, more women are taking the board exam and their age ranges from 21-26, belonging to the fresh graduates and recently employed (up to 3 years). Most of those who will be taking the exam are doing self-review and among review centers identified by respondents, SPARK Psychology Review Center got the most numbers. 


    10. How can I get updated?

    Link has been deactivated. Just continue checking our FB page and this blog for updates. 

    Regularly visit this blog and our FB Fan Page and you might want to FREE SIGN-UP for updates and information - http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2014/06/sign-up-and-get-download-links-to-our.html 



    11. Do you have a list of review centers?

    Yes, we have posted a partial listings of review centers. Since we are doing self-review, we are not familiar with their review approach and style,  please contact and coordinate with them directly. 



    http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/8083924/TR_Reviewer



    Friday, August 29, 2014

    Psychometrician in the Police and Military

    A follow up to our post Psychological Assessment in Forensic Psychology, we are very glad that one of our respondents provided us reply to our queries and interest about job opportunities for Psychometrician in the Police and Military.

    Entering in the police or military is one of the toughest and arduous qualifiers to get serve the country and engage in a profession. As mentioned below by our anonymous respondent professionals who enter the police and military are not spared of the 6 months basic training. After the training they are deployed as combatant - limbs and life at stake to test their capability and capacity to serve and secure the country and its citizens, sometimes 3 to 6 years before they can get promotion or specialize in the field they desire. So even for a licensed engineer, architects, doctors and other professions (even for future licensed psychometrician) they have to go through police and military rigors, discipline, and traditions. 

    So for those considering to join the police and military this is a piece of good advice. I welcome you all to read what our friend in the police force has to say about his experience of becoming a police psychometrician.



    Most of those who enter the police force are  just like any other policemen, there is no clear definition of what kind of work you do if you're a psych graduate, so much the same with other courses.

    If you are assigned to traffic then you do the job of a traffic police. If you are assigned at the investigation division...like myself...then you do investigative work. It all boils down to what specialization you align yourself  to once you finish basic recruit training. 

    It does not matter what course you finished in college,  a policeman is a policeman is a policeman,  we have 
    architects and engineers who are members of SWAT teams and they are registered architects and engineers. 

    Mostly psychology graduatess are assigned in the recruitment division. They are the ones who administer psychometric tests for people who want to join the PNP.  Others are assigned in the Health Service
    Unit and they administer psychometric tests for personnel suspected of mental illness and they also administer tests to people who want to own firearms as per the new law on firearms. I know for a fact that it's much the same as with any other branch of the uniformed service. Only a few get to practice. The common misconception is that the uniformed service here in our country is the same as with other countries.

    We don't have a behavioral science unit like the US or applied psychology in forensics investigation. Here you become a policeman because you want to be a policeman and you want to make positive changes for your community. You take what the organization gives you.

    There is however what we call in the service lateral entry. Its a form of recruitment wherein specific skills and degrees are required, example lawyers, doctors, chaplains, accountants. They are recruited for their  specific skills and specialization. But still like I said they are the "LUCKY" ones. 

    For psychologists and  psychometricians, before the law RA10029, if you have a masters degree or membership to the PAP, then you can apply for lateral entry (if accepted you get to practice what you finished in college, unfortunately, not what happened to me). But it's a long shot, I'm not discouraging you guys.  

    But, I would like to point out that the world you live in is not the same as the world we live, it's a complex system which is sad to say rooted in the PADRINO system. My advice, because I love the PNP with all my 
    heart: Do not aspire to be an officer just yet or be a psychometrician for the PNP beacuse you are a graduate of  psychology and a board certified psychometrican, join the PNP beacuase you want to make a positive change for the country and you want to be part of the solution. 

    Anyway. I think the police force are not yet aware of the law, most of the officers who are psychologists and psychometricians are not board certified (through grandfather clause).  Maybe they'll change the rules in hiring psychologists and psychometricians after the 1st board exam. But as of  now there are no new guidelines for hiring psyche professionals.

    The recruitment and hiring qualifications guide for PNP is covered in the law or RA 8551- AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE REFORM AND REORGANIZATION OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED SIXTY-NINE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-FIVE ENTITLED, "AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE UNDER A RE-ORGANIZED DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES"

    http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1998/ra_8551_1998.html




    Also if you ask me what branch of the uniformed service values psychology professionals,  the answer is easy  it is the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. This agency needs pyschologists. Its the same with the PNP only the mandate of the bureau is to safeguard the public by helping rehabilitate inmates.

    In the army I have a friend and classmate in college. He was a combatant first in a  scout ranger regiment,  much like me. Kaya lang siya for 6 years as combatant, me for 3 years lang. Combatant means assigned  in the frontline through battalion. Una sa digmaan ika nga, but now he is practicing since he finished his masters degree 2 years ago.

    It is the same in the army pag may MA you can practice after you apply for promotion. But this is for graduates who are alreasdy in the service.

    I will update you if there will be changes in the guidelines of hiring psyche grads kasi nga may board exam na.I was hoping that they'll change the rules for hiring kasi if you ask me, we need talaga psychologists and psychometicians dito sa PNP. Sana after the 1st board exam they'll change it because ang tagal nag antay ng mga kalahi ntin para maipasa ang batas na ito. Anyway thank you ulit and more power, you've been very helpful.

    Thanks also and more power. Hopefully we'll pass the exam. Snappy salute to you!!


    (If you would notice we are also now blogging topics about possible job opportunities so as to give more options to those who will pass the Licensure Exam.) 

    Thursday, August 28, 2014

    Facts and Figures of the 2014 Philippine Psychometrician Licensure Exam



    Some of our data here are facts, others are projections that we can only validate after the filing of application and after the release of the result of the Psychometrician Licensure Exam.


    1st ever Licensure Exam for Psychometrician - Psychology Graduates in the Philippines

    RA 10029 AN ACT TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF PSYCHOLOGY CREATING FOR THIS PURPOSE A PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES


    2 days of exam (October 28-29, 2014)

    2 sessions/day (AM/PM)

    2 hours = 120  mins allotted time 

    subjects covered - Psychological Assessment, Abnormal Psychology, Industrial Psychology, Theories of  Personality

    100 items/questions (outcome based assessment - 3 Subjects)
    1 mins and 2 secs/question (100 items)


    150 items/questions (outcome based assessment - Psychological Assessment) 
    .80 seconds/question (150 items)

    75% passing grade - General Weighted Average

    60% no grade lower in any subject

    ?X  total no. of examinees

    4:1  females for every male (projection based on the online survey)

    3 women compose the PRC Board of Psychology (Dr. Mirriam P. Cue, Chairperson, Dr. Imelda Virginia G. Villar and  Dr.Alexa P. Abrenica serve as members)


    60 days = 2 months to go before exam (as of 28 August 2014)





    What to do?

    Before exam
    1) Study, read, review and familiarize with the basic concepts and theories
    2) Learn about outcome based assessment
    3) Understand Bloom Taxonomy (no it is not part the exam) it just uses the approach
    4) Read this blog and be updated on our FB page.

    During exam
    1) Relax and keep focused (Inhale - Exhale) - say your prayer, seek guidance
    2) Scheme and scan the test
    3) Divide your time equally - be conscious of time and spread it evenly among the test items.
    4) Never skip an item - answer all items - guess if you must!
    5) Be analytical, critical, cunning, and use lot's of common sense as well.

    After exam
    1) Relax and pray some more!
    2) Rejoice when the result is out -pass or not (be proud you survived the first ever in Philippine history's
    outcome-based  assessment for Psychometrician Licensure Exam).
    3) Do not lose hope there will be another chance!

    Tell us what we should include in the list.

    Wednesday, August 27, 2014

    Certificate of Authentication and Validation (CAV) - Documentary Requirement

    In the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 10029 or the Psychology Act of 2009,  applicants whose TOR does not have an SO this rule applies found in:
    Sec. 13-A Documentary Requirements to the Licensure Examination of Psychometricians
    c. Original and photocopy of transcript of records (with scanned picture) indicating the Special Order (S.O.) number, and where school is exempted from the issuance of an S.O. a Certificate of Authentication and Validation (CAV) from CHED.

    We are sharing here samples of CAV - Certification, Authentication and Verification issued by CHED REgional IV-A (CALABARZON) and CHED National Capital Region shared to us by our two of our blog and FB readers who got their CAV lately.


    Mr. Carl Reman shared his experience below:

    The first thing na ginawa ko ay nagfile po ako ng request sa Registrar's Office. I paid 250.00 for the authentication of my TOR and Diploma. They also gave me an endorsement letter. When I'm in CHED na po okay naman po ang experience. Make sure may dala pong valid ID. 

    May mga guard naman po sa bawat floor so pwede po silang tanungin kung saang room ang CHED regional office. I gave my documents to the administrative clerk then waited for few minutes. Then I paid PhP 40.00 and waited for some minutes. After they will check with you  kung tama po ang spelling ng name, school, address. Then kapag okay na po papareceive'an na nila yung draft ng CAV then yun okay na po.


    Photo by  Mr. Carl Reman

    Sample of CAV of Riyan

    Nakuha ko na po yung CAV ko, nakita ko po kagabi sa blog mo na may ngtatanong anong itsura ng CAV.. sesend ko po sample galing nung sa akin.. saka naitanong nyo rin po kung gaano kadami ung tao sa PRC.. meron din po akong picture.. mabilis ko lng nmn po napasa ung sa akin since for completion lang naman po kasi. 


    Photo by Riyan

    Photo by Riyan

    Photo by Riyan

    Photo by Riyan

    This was not the the scenario I saw last time.  All seats were taken and there were more people lining up from ground floor up to this Hall of the Application Division.  Note that until the end of the year there will be 16 professions that will take place so file not your application to avoid the rush.


    Photo by Ms. Jane Sevilla





    Tuesday, August 26, 2014

    Taking Multiple Choice Exam: Strategy and Reminders

    Image source - http://www.spring.org.uk/images/multiple_choice2.jpg
    Updated 13 October 2014
    (Note we updated the time consideration for answering each item per the new schedule of the Program for the Licensure Exam for Psychologists and Psychometricians. Refer below.)


    This is a general suggestion and be reminded  of those strategyies that you think will be helpful for you in taking the Psychometrician Licensure Exam. The exam will be multiple choice - outcome-based assessment and it will be a machine scored/validated exam. So be careful and do not put unnecessary marks and smudges on your answer sheet. Answer all items otherwise the rest of your correct answered items might not be read by the machine. Observe time. Before submitting your answer sheet make sure to review that you did not miss any items. READ, STUDY and REVIEW!


    Relax and Enjoy and be Proud for being part of the pioneers-history-in-the-making first Psychometrician Licensure Exam!  At DAPAT PUMASA! BAWAL ANG BUMAGSAK!
    THINK POSITIVE! PRAY! FULFILL YOUR PROPHECY!



    Studying for a multiple choice exam requires a special method of preparation distinctly different from an essay exam. Multiple choice exams ask a student to recognize a correct answer among a set of options that include 3 or 4 wrong answers (called distracters ), rather than asking the student to produce a correct answer entirely from his/her own mind.

    For many reasons, students commonly consider multiple choice exams easier than essay exams. Perhaps the most obvious reasons are that:
    • The correct answer is guaranteed to be among the possible responses. A student can score points with a lucky guess.
    • Many multiple choice exams tend to emphasize basic definitions or simple comparisons, rather than asking students to analyze new information or apply theories to new situations.
    • Because multiple choice exams usually contain many more questions than essay exams, each question has a lower point value and thus offers less risk.
    Despite these factors, however, multiple choice exams can actually be very difficult and are in this course. Consider that:
    • Because multiple choice exams contain many questions, they force students to be familiar with a much broader range of material than essay exams do.
    • Multiple choice exams also usually expect students to have a greater familiarity with details such as specific dates, names, or vocabulary than most essay exams do. Students cannot easily "bluff" on a multiple choice exam.
    • Finally, because it is much more difficult for a teacher to write good multiple choice questions than to design essay questions, students often face higher risks due to unintended ambiguity. [This is NOT the case with Vogeler's tests!]

    To prepare for a multiple choice exam, consider the following steps:


    • Begin studying early
      Multiple choice exams tend to focus on details, and you cannot retain many details effectively in short-term memory. If you learn a little bit each day and allow plenty of time for repeated reviews, you will build a much more reliable long-term memory.
    • Make sure that you identify and understand thoroughly everything that your instructor emphasized in class.
      Pay particular attention to fundamental terms and concepts that describe important events or features, or that tie related ideas and observations together. These are the items that most commonly appear on multiple choice exams.
    • As you study your class notes and your assigned readings, make lists and tables.
      Concentrate on understanding multi-step processes, and on ideas, events, or objects that form natural sequences or groupings. Look for similarities and differences that might be used to distinguish correct choices from distracters on an exam.
    If your textbook highlights new vocabulary or key definitions, be sure that you understand them. Sometimes new words and concepts are collected at the end of a chapter. Check to be sure that you have not left any out by mistake.Do not simply memorize the book's definitions. Most instructors will rephrase things in their own words as they write exam questions, so you must be sure that you really know what the definitions mean.
    • Brainstorm possible questions with several other students who are also taking the course.
    • Practice on sample questions, if you have access to a study guide or old exams.
       
    Answering Multiple Choice Questions
    There are many strategies for maximizing your success on multiple choice exams. The best way to improve your chances, of course, is to study carefully before the exam. There is no good substitute for knowing the right answer. Even a well-prepared student can make silly mistakes on a multiple choice exam, however, or can fall prey to distracters that look very similar to the correct answer.
    Here are a few tips to help reduce these perils:
    • Before you begin taking the exam, enter all pieces of required information on your answer sheet
    If you are so eager to start that you forget to enter your name and ID number, your results may never be scored. Remember: your instructor will not be able to identify you by handwriting or similar text clues.
    • Always cover up the possible responses with a piece of paper or with your hand while you read the stem, or body of the question.
    Try to anticipate the correct response before you are distracted by seeing the options that your instructor has provided. Then, uncover the responses.
    • If you see the response that you anticipated, circle it and then check to be sure that none of the other responses is better. 
    • If you do not see a response that you expected, then consider some of the following strategies to eliminate responses that are probably wrong.
    None of these strategies is infallible. A smart instructor will avoid writing questions for which these strategies work, but you can always hope for a lapse of attention.
    1. Responses that use absolute words, such as "always" or "never" are less likely to be correct than ones that use conditional words like "usually" or "probably."
    2. "Funny" responses are usually wrong.
    3. "All of the above" is often a correct response. If you can verify that more than one of the other responses is probably correct, then choose "all of the above."
    4. "None of the above" is usually an incorrect response, but this is less reliable than the "all of the above" rule. Be very careful not to be trapped by double negatives.
    5. Look for grammatical clues. If the stem ends with the indefinite article "an," for example, then the correct response probably begins with a vowel.
    6. The longest response is often the correct one, because the instructor tends to load it with qualifying adjectives or phrases.
    7. Look for verbal associations. A response that repeats key words that are in the stem is likely to be correct.
    8. If all else fails, choose response (b) or (c). Many instructors subconsciously feel that the correct answer is "hidden" better if it is surrounded by distracters. Response (a) is usually least likely to be the correct one.
    If you cannot answer a question within a minute or less, skip it and plan to come back later. Transfer all responses to the answer sheet at the same time, once you have marked all questions on your exam. (If you try to do several things at once, you increase the probability of making a mistake. Saving the relatively mindless job of filling in bubbles until the last step reduces the probability of making silly errors.)
    Note - for a 100 items for 2hours = 120  mins allotted time. For 100 items/questions (outcome based assessment) = 1 mins and 2 secs to answer each question 

    For 100 items on subjects: Theories of Personality, Industrial Psychology and Abnormal Psychology the allotted time is 3 hours or 180 minutes for each of the subject. So we have 1 minute and 48 seconds to answer each question. But for Psychological Assessment for the 150 items with 180 minutes (3 hours)  time allotted, we only have  1 minute and 12 seconds to answer each item. So budget your time wisely when answering the questions. (Thanks to Christian for pointing out our previous error of converting minutes to seconds.)

    • Be sure that you have filled the appropriate bubbles carefully IN PENCIL.
     Your instructor/proctor will probably never take a close look at your answer sheet, so if you fail to fill in bubbles completely or if you make stray marks, only the computer will notice, and you will be penalized. Erase any accidental marks completely.
    • Take the time to check your work before you hand in the answer sheet.
    Unlike an essay exam, on which you may later appeal a grade on the grounds that the instructor misunderstood your response, a multiple choice exam offers you no opportunity for "partial credit." If you filled the wrong bubble, your answer is 100% wrong.
    Source: Center for Teaching Excellence
    http://people.uwec.edu/ivogeler/multiple.htm

    Related Read:

    http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/45668_8.pdf

    http://www.washington.edu/oea/services/scanning_scoring/scoring/item_analysis.html

    Monday, August 25, 2014

    Dr. Cue's Statement Regarding Equivalency

    NEW UPDATE from Dr. Cue
    as of 26 August 2014, 12:00AM


    The Certificate of  Equivalency is asked only if and when: 

    a) you finished your degree abroad 
    b) when finished a degree in Psychology by some other name and 
    c) when you took a professional subject in the board by some other name that is not obviously equivalent to the board subject under consideration. 

    Please note that we are only implementors of the law so any deviation on matters related to the educational curriculum must be certified by CHED, else the application will be denied. 

    We trust each and every applicant to submit his/her application at any PRC office soonest so there is still time to work out any deficiencies.




    Finally here is the much awaited reply from Dr. Mirriam P. Cue, Chairperson of the PRC Board of Psychology on the issue of Equivalency.  



    You should check with the applications division on the requirements. The PRB already sat down with them... Yes, some subjects do not need any certificate of equivalency anymore, like Psychological Testing for Psychological Assessment; Psychopathology for Abnormal Psychology, etc. But for subjects not in the list, you have to seek equivalency from CHED. I suggest you apply now so you would know what your deficiencies are while you still have the time to go about it.

    For those of you applying inform PRC that such clarifications was already made by the Psychology Board. Psychological Testing is similar/same with Psychological Assessment and Psychopathology for Abnormal Psychology.

    Hope this matter is now clarified for those asking about this issue.



    Sunday, August 24, 2014

    Survey Respondents Job Categories and Motivation to take the Licensure Exam



    Job Categories

    As expected many of psychology graduates are working in an industrial setting working as human resource officer and personnel. Others are performing duties outside the HR function such as marketing, researcher, hotels, sales and others even have their own business.

    Education and school settings is the next popular job for our survey respondents. Work includes teacher, instructor and some perform double function as guidance counselor also. Others in the entry position would be working as assistant to the guidance counselor and some are working as play therapist and doing coaching work.

    The rest of the survey respondents work in the government, military and one respondent belong to a religious order as a nun. Expected also is the big number of those respondents who just newly graduate and applying for job at 32%.


    Industrial Setting
    Account officer/Staff/Bookkeeper/Payroll
    Administrative Assistant/(NGO)
    Bank Employee/Employee
    Business Development Associate/Marketing Strategist
    Collection Assistant /Insurance Specialist/Underwriting Operator
    Customer Service/Care Representative/Call Center/Live Chat Specialist /
    Data Analyst / Transcriptionist
    Hotel coordinator/reservation / Liaison Officer/ Telecom operator
    HR Staff/Assistant/Clerk/ Personnel Data Maintainer/ Office Staff/Secretary/Personnel/Assistant
    HR Officer/Practitioner
    HR Supervisor (HR Generalist) / Guidance Counselor
    Human Resource Coordinator/Officer/Specialist
    Program Specialist / Project Employee
    Recruitment and Placement
    Researcher (Company)
    Sales Coordinator/Operations
    Self-employed/Businesswoman/Proprietor
    Supervisor/Onsite

    Education/School
    Assistant Guidance Counselor
    College Instructor (State College)
    ESL Teacher (Online)
    Guidance Assistant/Clerk/Staff/Personnel/Testing Officer
    Guidance Counselor/Advocate
    Psychometrician (School)/Counselor
    SPED Teacher /Learning and Development Associate
    Teacher (Public School/Guidance)/Lecturer/ Preschool Teacher/private tutor/instructor/faculty
    Testing Assistant/Associate/Staff
    Voice/swimming coach/trainer/play therapist

    Clinic and Hospital
    Behavioral Therapist / Trauma Worker
    Caseworker /Child Protection Officer
    Community facilitator/organizer
    Nurse / Nursing Aide I
    Physician
    Psychologist/ Consultant/Consulting Psychologist
    Students/Family Welfare and Formation Officer/assistant

    Government
    Students
    Others
    Applying for jobs


    Motivation or Purpose for the Licensure Exam

    Part of the survey was the question about the motivation or purpose of respondents in taking the first licensure exam for Psychometrician. Categorizing the main reasons for taking the licensure exam we came up with the following:

    A. Apply for job/employment
    • for credential/eligibility
    Majority response since many of the respondents are newly graduate and looking for job.


    B. Use licensure to current job or work
    • promotion - shift to another work or position
    • professional growth/promotion
    • public service
    • requirement of their job
    • permanent position
    • provide assistance/help

    As noted above majority in the job category is classified in the industrial setting, working in HR or personnel, some are already doing the job of psychometrician and others are assisting psychometricians mostly in an academic or school setting. There are also those who are working in a clinical/medical setting.

    Below are quotes from respondents:

    I WANT TO BE A PSYCHOMETRICIAN.
    TO PRACTICE AS PSYCHOMETRICIAN.
    A stepping stone to be a future Psychologist, after I pass the exam I'll get a job as a psychometrician in a clinical setting.
    Being a licensed Psychometrician makes me more eligible in practicing Psychology particularly in being a General Psychology instructor. 
    Not only that, I can also explore other areas of practice. Since I work in the academe, I can also do related work as a psychometrician in this field particularly in the Guidance Office or Student Affairs.
    First and foremost, my purpose why I'll take the upcoming board exam is to be able to have a license. It is of great honor and pride to be part of the Pioneer passers. Aside from that, having a license is indeed of great honor every person can ever have. If I would be able to pass, I would use my license through rendering my service of other people especially in the administration and interpretation of objective psychological tests.
    Having a license as a Psychometrician is credential. I can use it for employment and career advancement purposes.
    Help individuals especially children assess their intellgience, personality skills to be a better and responsible citizen of the society.
    I am currently working in a medical center, when i pass, i will probably shift from Human Resource to the mental health division.
    I have worked for two years as an Institutional Psychometrician before I became a Guidance Counselor. I may say that to be a licensed Psychometrician would give me sense of professionalism in doing works related to psychometrics.
    I want to be an expert in the field of psychometric so that it will be easy for me to be a psychologist.
    I want to continue my profession to become a clinical psychologist, and I really want to start my career as a psychometrician to help me grow my knowledge that will be my advantage for me to be a psychologist.
    I will be a dedicated practitioner of Psychology and this will ignite my dream to become a registered Psychologist: Play Therapist, Art Therapist, Researcher.
    I will use it appropriately. i don't take any advantage to my clients. And I will be fair and just Psychometrician. 
    I will use it to enter Medical Assistance Corps (MAC) in the military. 
    I will use my license as a ticket in applying Government Office. 
    If I pass the licensure examination I would like to practice it in the industrial setting preferably in the Human Resource Department in recruitment or in the performance appraisal. This licensure examination would help me to practice my degree because as of now I didn't practice and my job is not related to my course.
    I'm planning to resign within this year and I wanted to go back to my previous job as A Human Resource again, once I become a registered Psychometrician it will help me to reach my goals. 
    I'm really passionate about Psychology and I just really want to be a licensed psychometrician.
    I also think that passing the exam would allow me to have lots of career opportunities.
    No idea or plans as of yet.
    Personal reasons.
    To be called a certified Psychometrician and to land a good job to fulfill my passion.
    To feed my sense of striving for excellence and if i am a psychometrician i'll have privilege to work in government and share my profession.
    To have edge over the other psychology graduates specially in applying for job.
    To legally evaluate Psychological Assessment and to prepare for a Psychology M.A.
    To practice psychometrician at least two years so that i could take board exam for psychologist.
    To  put up a Testing Center business.
    To serve my country in the best way possible.
    To teach psychology subjects.
    Will definitely use it for work (recruitment & placement) specially in choosing a right examinations for employees and giving accurate results for their examination.

    Related posts:

    http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2014/08/125-schools-represented-in-the-survey.html

    http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2014/08/initial-result-of-survey-and-sign-up.html