PAP Forum on The Filipino Psychologist’s Use of Western Psychological Tests

The Assessment Psychology Division of the Psychological Association of the Philippines

invites you to a FORUM on

The Filipino Psychologist’s Use of Western Psychological Tests:  Issues and Challenges

July 13, 2013

8AM-5PM

Philippine Social Science Center

Diliman, Quezon City

TARGET PARTICIPANTS:  Practicing psychologists, psychometricians,  graduate students of psychology

Fee and Registration

PAP Member             P1,200

Non-PAP Member      P1,500

Fee includes snacks, lunch, materials, and certificate of participation. 

Kindly deposit payment to:

Account Name:    Psychological Association of the Philippines

Bank:                   BPI

Account Number: 0421-020868 (Current Account)

GUEST SPEAKERS

Allan Bernardo, PhD

Ma. Aurora Bulatao, MA

Roger Davis, PhD

Natividad Dayan, PhD

Gregorio del Pilar, PhD

Ma. Teresa Villasor, PhD

Maria Araceli Alcala, MA (Clinical)

Ann Maribel Hapin, MP (Government)

Ma. Dolores Tay, MD (OFW Clinics)

Elizabeth Suba, PhD (School)

Registration requires the submission of a scanned copy of deposit slip with participant’s name to pap_1962_08@yahoo.com  or through fax at 632-453-8257 on or before July 9, 2013.

On-site payment will be accepted,  but participants MUST register with pap_1962_08@yahoo.com  or through fax at 632-453-8257 on or before July 9, 2013.

MODERATORS

Arsenio Alianan, PhD

Caridad Tarroja, PhD

For inquiries,  kindly email pap_1962_08@yahoo.com  or  ginaylaya@gmail.com;  or call 02-453-8257 (landline), 0915-284-8723 (mobile).

Source - https://www.facebook.com/notes/psychological-association-of-the-philippines/pap-forum-on-the-filipino-psychologists-use-of-western-psychological-tests/597642893602246

Website - http://www.pap.org.ph

Some Reflections on RA 10029 and its IRR

(Image source -http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTInCJLgMNnGg9PIzKtU06eZ4wdFKpSbFKF2AYWFdskDad3Y5afgQ)

With RA 10029 or Philippine Psychology Act of 2009, the law now provides a legal definition and distinction of a psychologist from a psychometrician. Also, the law allowed several people to be exempted  from taking the exam through its grandfather clause. So they are now licensed Psychologist and Psychometrician without undergoing the licensure exam.

I hope that a provision should also be provided that licensed psychometricians without having to take their MA in Psychology but through their experience and units taken from continuing education could pass for an equivalency so they may be allowed to take the licensure exam for Psychology. And if ever they failed only then that they should take units in Psychology to be allowed  to retake the exam.

The law identified the particular subjects that will covered in the licensure exam. Some universities are now scrambling with the upcoming exam since they did not offer Industrial Psychology. Perhaps if there are areas of specialization in the exam then some examinees won't have to worry subjects they were not able to cover in college.

In my observation of the law,  psychometrician plays a secondary role to the psychologist.  When giving psychological assessment a psychometrician should be supervised by a psychologist. The  greater responsibility is relegated to that of the psychologist who should review very well the output of the psychometrician. Any blunder by the psychometrician will be blamed to the psychologist who serves as signatory a psychometrician's report.

I believe that the new law created a better work opportunity for Psych graduates. Unless  otherwise they have other plans with their course, now they can aim and pursue becoming a full pledge and  licensed Psychologist. Just additional 2 year for an MA in Psychology and with the required  number of hours of practice  they can be entitled to take the board exam for Psychologist instead of Psychometrician. Authority-wise, the Psychologist have more authority that that of Psychometrician.  But if ever they flunk they could always try and take the Psychometrician board en-route to another examination and level-up to get licensed as a Psychologist.

I am just wondering what the would be the implication of this new law to schools and organizations that have been administering tests with their in-house guidance counselors and psychometricians. With the new law their practice of not having licensed Psychometrician and Psychologist could be penalized.

With regards to the licensure exam of psychometrician, the law states "...excluding projective tests and other higher level forms of psychological tests;"  I hope that such test will not be appearing in the licensure exam for psychometrician since they are now excluded in administering projective tests  although it was part of their course and training to be exposed in those kind of tests.

So with the licensure exam for psychometrician and psychologist, school curriculum should also be overhauled and aligned with the intent of the new law to give better advantage to graduates of psychology.

Perhaps with the license given to psychometrician they could also be given opportunity to work as teacher covering the subjects of their licensure exam. Perhaps in the revision of school curriculum more subjects in education/teaching and counselling could be offered as a possible track for psychology graduates.

And it should also be the same for those who would take on the track of  Industrial and Organizational Psychology. There should be a provision for students to take more units in Management or Business Administration should they want to pursue a career in an organizational set-up.

But definitely continuing education should always be encouraged for all licensed psychometrician and psychologist as well as to those who are not yet licensed.

To have a better distinction of the exam between Psychologist and Psychometrician, below is my proposition of subject coverage: 

a) Psychometrician - subject includes General Psychology, Psychological Assessment,  Social Psychology, Child/Developmental Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology,  Guidance and Counselling, Educational/Learning Psychology

b) Psychology - subject includes Theories of Personalities, Abnormal Psychology, Psychotherapy, Projective Techniques, Guidance and Counselling, Psychological Research, Psychological Assessment

Below are some comparison of terms/definitions and  responsibilities of a psychologist from that of a psychometrician. Note that the IRR expounded  on the section on the practice of Psychology.

Republic Act  10029	Implementing Rules and Regulations  of  RA 10029
(a) "Psychology" is the scientific study of human behavior. It involves the application of scientific methods to inquire into the biological, cognitive, affective, developmental, personality, social, cultural and individual difference dimensions of human behavior.	(a) "Psychology" is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. It involves the application of scientific methods to inquire into the biological, cognitive, affective, developmental, personality, social, cultural and individual difference dimensions of human behavior.
(b) "Practice of Psychology" consists of the delivery of psychological services that involve application of psychological principles and procedures for the purpose of describing, understanding, predicting and influencing the behavior of individuals or groups, in order to assist in the attainment of optimal human growth and functioning. The delivery of psychological services includes, but is not limited to: (1) psychological interventions: psychological counseling, psychotherapy, psychosocial support, coaching, psychological debriefing, group processes and all other psychological interventions that involve the application of psychological principles to improve psychological functioning of individuals, families, groups and organizations; (2) psychological assessment: gathering and integration of psychology-related data for the purpose of making a psychological evaluation, accomplished through a variety of tools, including individual tests, projective tests, clinical interview and other psychological assessment tools, for the purpose of assessing diverse psychological functions including cognitive abilities, aptitudes, personality characteristics, attitudes, values, interests, emotions and motivations, among others, in support of psychological counseling, psychotherapy and other psychological interventions; and (3) psychological programs: development, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of psychological treatment for individuals and/or groups.	(b) "Practice of Psychology" consists of the delivery of psychological services that involve application of psychological principles and procedures for the purpose of describing, understanding, predicting and influencing the behavior of individuals or groups, in order to assist in the attainment of optimal human growth and functioning. The delivery of psychological services includes, but is not limited to: (1) psychological interventions: psychological counseling, psychotherapy, psychosocial support, coaching, psychological debriefing, group processes and all other psychological interventions that involve the application of psychological principles to improve psychological functioning of individuals, families, groups and organizations; (2) psychological assessment: gathering and integration of psychology-related data for the purpose of: a) making a psychological evaluation, accomplished through a variety of tools, including individual tests, projective tests, clinical interview and other psychological assessment tools, or b) assessing diverse psychological functions including cognitive abilities, aptitudes, personality characteristics, attitudes, values, interests, emotions and motivations, among others, in support of psychological counseling, psychotherapy and other psychological interventions; and (3) psychological programs: development, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of psychological treatment for individuals and/or groups. The term "other psychological interventions" shall be deemed to include: a) preventive and therapeutic measures like play and expressive arts therapy, music therapy and trauma healing; as well as correctional, rehabilitative and behavioral modificaion measures; b) consultation, that is, providing extensive knowledge, specialized technical assistance and expertise in an advisory capacity to consultees in regard to mental and behavioral concerns, emotional distress, personality disorders and other neuropsychological dysfuntions. "Psychological evaluation" shall include the making of diagnostic intepretations, reports, and recommendations  a) as part of a case study; or b) in support of diagnostic screening, placement, management decisions, psychiatric evaluation, legal action, psychological counseling, psychotherapy or change intervention.  "Assessing diverse psychological functions" shall include the development, standardization, and publication of psychological tests which measure adjustment and psychopathology; and/or the creation of assessment tools primarily for psycho-diagnostic purposes.         The term "other psychological intervention programs" shall include: a) addiction rehabilitation and treatment programs, behavioral management and intervention programs in correctional facilities, psychological training programs which involve inner processing, and mental health programs in disaster and emergency situations, either for individuals and/or communities; b) clinical  supervision: the direction, guidance, mentoring, and cliniquing of psychology practitioners and interns, psychometricians, and other trainees for psychology-related work to meet the standards of quality and excellence in professional practice.
(c) "Psychologist" means a natural person who is duly registered and holds a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card as professional psychologist, issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology and the Professional Regulation Commission pursuant to this Act for the purpose of delivering the different psychological services defined in this Act.	(c) "Psychologist" a natural person who is duly registered and holds a valid Certificate of Registration and a valid Professional Identification Card as Professional Psychologist, issued by the Professional Regulatory Board  and the  Commission pursuant to Section 3(c) of R.A. 10029  for the purpose of delivering the different psychological services defined under this IRR.
(d) "Psychometrician" means a natural person who holds a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card as psychometrician issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology and the Professional Regulation Commission pursuant to this Act. As such, he/she shall be authorized to do any of the following: Provided, That such shall at all times be conducted under the supervision of a licensed professional psychologist: (1) administering and scoring of objective personality tests, structured personality tests, excluding projective tests and other higher level forms of psychological tests; (2) interpreting results of the same and preparing a written report on these results; and (3) conducting preparatory intake interviews of clients for psychological invention sessions.	(d) "Psychometrician" a natural person who has been registered and issued a valid Certificate of Registration and a valid Professional Identification Card as psychometrician by the Board  and the Commission in accordance with Sec. 3(d), Article III of R.A. 10029 and is authorized to do any of the following activities:  (1) administering and scoring of objective personality tests, structured personality tests, excluding projective tests and other higher level forms of psychological tests;  (2) interpreting results of the same and preparing a written report on these results; and  (3) conducting preparatory intake interviews of clients for psychological invention sessions. Provided, that these activities shall at all times be conducted under the supervision of a licensed professional psychologist. All the assessment reports prepared and done by the psychometrician shall always bear the signature of the supervising psychologist who shall take full responsibility for the integrity of the report.

Video - Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Video - Industrial and Organizational Psychology by The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Pyschotic Hallucination and Charles Bonnet syndrome

An interesting video lecture from TED Talks. Mr. Sacks in this lecture differentiated Pyschotic Hallucination from that of Charles Bonnet syndrome.

Some notes from his talk:

1) There is a special form of visual hallucination which may go with deteriorating vision or blindness. This was originally described in the 18th century, by a man called Charles Bonnet.

2) Charles Bonnet syndrome

A lot of elderly people  are hearing impaired or visually impaired and about 10 percent of the hearing impaired people get musical hallucinations. And about 10 percent of the visually impaired people get visual hallucinations. You don't have to be completely blind, only sufficiently impaired.

Repetition of perception is sometimes called palinopsia.

 As you lose vision,  the visual parts of the brain are no longer getting any input, they become hyperactive and excitable, and they start to fire spontaneously. And you start to see things. The things you see can be very complicated indeed.

Some had very mobile hallucinations as well. A lot of them had to do with a car.

Those not having  trouble with their eyes, but the visual parts of the brain such as little tumor in the occipital cortex can cause problem like seeing cartoons.

Something like 10 percent, visually impaired people get  Charles Bonnet Syndrome. But no more than one percent of the people acknowledge them, because they are afraid they will be seen as insane or something. And if they do mention them to their own doctors they may be misdiagnosed.

There is also a rare thing called temporal lobe epilepsy, and sometimes, if one has this, one may feel oneself transported back to a time and place in the past. You're at a particular road junction. You smell chestnuts roasting. You hear the traffic. All the senses are involved. And you're waiting for your girl. And it's that Tuesday evening back in 1982. And the temporal lobe hallucinations are all-sense hallucinations, full of feeling, full of familiarity, located in space and time, coherent, dramatic. The Charles Bonnet ones are quite different.


So in the Charles Bonnet hallucinations, you have all sorts of levels, from the geometrical hallucinations -- the pink and blue squares the woman had -- up to quite elaborate hallucinations with figures and especially faces. Faces, and sometimes deformed faces, are the single commonest thing in these hallucinations. And one of the second commonest is cartoons.

 Think of the number of blind people. There must be hundreds of thousands of blind people who have these hallucinations, but are too scared to mention them. So this sort of thing needs to be brought into notice, for patients, for doctors, for the public. Finally, I think they are infinitely interesting and valuable, for giving one some insight as to how the brain works.


3) Psychotic hallucinations, whether they are visual or vocal, they address you. They accuse you. They seduce you. They humiliate you. They jeer at you. You interact with them.  There is none of this quality of being addressed with these Charles Bonnet hallucinations. There is a film. You're seeing a film which has nothing to do with you, or that's how people think about it.

 

 Source link: http://www.ted.com/talks/oliver_sacks_what_hallucination_reveals_about_our_minds.html


More on hallucination - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallucination

Infographics Thursday - Substance Abuse and Risky Sexual Behavior

Psychological Report Sample

Ideally a psychological report is the output of a psychological assessment. Report is useful for different purposes be it in a school or academic setting, an industrial setting and in a clinical setting. Reports serve several functions (http://www.psychpage.com/learning/library/advpract/report.html):

• They document results
• They answer specific questions
• They provide guidelines for intervention

Check here links for sample of psychological report:

1) http://www.psychologyservice.co.uk/report1.htm

2) http://faculty.pepperdine.edu/shimels/Courses/Sample%20Reports/Adult%20LD-Accommodations.pdf

 

Full Psychological Report.Sample from debrajean333

Source - http://www.slideshare.net/debrajean333/full-psychological-reportsample

Psychometrician Employment Opportunity

Psychometrician

Salary/Compensation

In the Philippines, Psychometrician’s entry salary may range from P9,600 - P12,000 per month and may even go up to P15,000 per month for those highly-trained and experienced. In the U.S., the average salary of a Psychometrician is $5,200 per month.

Basic Educational Requirement

To become a Psychometrician you first need to obtain a degree in a relevant discipline. This is usually psychology or another social science, but can be management, education or statistics. By far, the largest number of professional Psychometricians begin with a first degree in psychology.

Cost of Education *

A four-year course in psychology would normally range from P10,000 - P45,000 per semester in different universities. However, the tuition fee costs less by around 10% to 40% in public colleges and universities which offer the same discipline.

Employment Opportunities

Psychometricians will be of particular interest to companies that desire to assess their workers’ productivity and overall mental state of being. Job opportunities will be best for those candidates that have a Ph.D. in psychometrics or a related field. Some may wish to start their own testing centers for companies who outsource these testing requirements. Psychometricians may also be employed in the following industries: Public Administration and Defense, Compulsory Social Security, Education, and Health and Social Work.

Prospects for Career Advancement

With additional training, education, and experience, Psychometricians can advance to other positions in human resource departments or testing organizations. Some may move into supervisory positions and others may pursue a Ph.D in Psychometrics.

Nature of Work

A Psychometrician does the selection and evaluation of people who apply for jobs. This is done according to the candidate's personality, aptitude, interests and abilities. He/She uses psychological measuring techniques, such as tests and questionnaires. The purpose of this is to be able to select the best candidate for a specific job. At some companies the Psychometrist is allowed to write psychological reports under the supervision of a registered psychologist.

Tasks

• Initially determines the abilities, skills and knowledge needed to do the job and create the specifications of the test;
• May also perform data analyses on the test results as well as conducting validity and reliability studies; and
• Performs clinical interviews, administers and scores neuropsychological tests and monitors all data collection.

Skills and Competencies

• Must have strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities;
• Must be able to analyze large amounts of data; and
• Must also be comfortable working with a wide variety of test subjects.

Physical Attributes and Characteristics

• Respect the importance of confidentiality, as he/she will be dealing with employees’ personal details;
• Able to work accurately, with good attention to detail;
• Must be patient, tactful, diplomatic and approachable; and
• Dedication to work.

* Based on tuition fee rates for school year 2010-2011.

Source - http://www.ble.dole.gov.ph/jobdetail/psychometrician.htm