Fear is a good thing

ni  Alvin Joseph Mapoy 

Bulacan State University 

Top 8,  2015 Psychometrician Licensure Board Examination, PRC, July 2015

Hello po, gusto ko lang ishare yung experience ko last year. sa #RoadtoRPm at 1 year na ng release ng boards (sabi sa net pero tanda ko july 31 ko nalaman yung results).

Anyway, lahat siguro nang nangyari sa akin sa boards unexpected. tandang-tanda ko nung March 2015 bago ang graduation, sabi ko sa sarili ko 2016 na ako kukuha ng boards. Natatakot kasi talaga ako. During that time, alam ko nang gagraduate ako bilang Magna cum laude and I am proud of that, kaso yung pressure na syempre Cum laude ka latin honor ka, syempre dapat pumasa ka sa board exam. 

At natatakot akong mapahiya ang mga faculty ng school na pinangalingan ko. Nahihiya rin ako na mapahiya ako sa sarili ko. Ilang beses na rin kasing hindi ko natupad yung ineexpect ko sa sarili ko. Mahirap kasing magexpect, alam ko, pero yun nga, nakakapressure yung expectations, pero ayun nagtake ako ng board exam, bakit? because sabi ng prof ko, "Fear is a good thing" mas magiging maingat daw ako pag natakot ako at mas malaki ang chance na pumasa kaysa sa pag kampante ka.

Fast forward, during the review, after ng graduation, nagstart na ako, kaso ayun, walang kwenta ang pagrereview sa first few months. Distance learning lang kasi ako nakaenroll that time, hawak ko yung oras ko, dahil nga dun, 3 hours lang (minsan 1 hour) lang ako makapagreview araw-araw. Ano inaatupag ko? Ayun, computer games (need for speed, gta, etc.), ewan ko ba sa akin. Nagaasikaso pa ng requirements kaya ayun, wala, halos walang nadagdag sa karunungan ko. lol.

Tapos, one month na lang, dun na talaga dumating yung pressure sa akin. Napaiyak na lang ako sa sobrang takot kasi maraming nageexpect sa akin na papasa ako. Maski yung pamilya ko tanda ko sabi nila ang ineexpect nila is top 10 ako. Dun talaga ako nagulantang, yung after ng grad, gusto ko pang gawin lahat para mag-top 10 pero dumating yung 1 month na lang, tapos halos wala pa sa kalingkingan yung modules na nareview ko. 

Naalala ko talaga na umiyak ako mga 1 month, kasi feeling ko di talaga ako papasa. To the point, na sinasabi ko sa sarili ko na wala akong kwenta, na ang bobo ko, na ang tamad-tamad ko, bakit ko pa ineexpect na pumasa ako, eh ang bobo at tamad ko? Kinabukasan after ng aking "existenial crisis" sumugod ako sa Recto at naghanap ng reference books, naka almost 3k ako nun. Simula noong araw na yun, yung dating 3 hours kong pagreview, 8 hours na. Ang pahinga lang talaga is lunch tapos matutulog ako agad after dinner. Ayoko talagang pagurin yung sarili ko, sabi ko sa sarili ko. Hindi rin ako gumamit ng manila paper na isasabit sa dingding. Binasa ko yung mga libro na parang novels ni JK Rowling. 

1 week to go before the board exams, di ko nagawa yung goal ko na matapos yung modules at libro ko, nakakakalahati lang ako ng mga libro. Ayun, sabi ko, wala na to. Hindi na ko papasa, lalo na't narinig ko sa prof sa review center na usually daw ang pumapasa nagbabasa ng isang buong libro per subject eh ako? Puro hanggang chapter 5 lang dun sa 4 na libro. Tapos umattend ako ng parang final coaching, sa harap talaga kami pumuwesto ng mga kakilala ko. Ayun, confident kasi ako sa harap ng ibang tao pero that time, di ko mapigilang kabahan ng sobra, everytime na may sasabihin yung prof na di ko alam kinakabahan ako, sabi ko napaka-limited naman ng alam ko, pero di ko pinahalata sa mga kaibigan kong nageexpect sa akin. Medyo maayos naman grades ko sa mga mock exams, pero never tumataas sa line of 8, pero sabi ng mga kaibigan ko baka daw magtop ako. That time, di na ako umaasa. Naalala ko pa meron isang prof doon, na nagfinal push sa akin na baka nga kaya kong pumasa.

Dumating yung board exam, ayun, first subject TOP (yes, tuwang-tuwa ako, feeling magta-top notcher, mga 15 lang di ako sure na sagot), kaso after ng second subject (psych assessment) ayun diretso kay St. Jude (sa La Consolacion kasi ako nagexam), todo dasal na pumasa na lang ako, kahit di na magtop basta pumasa. Dumating yung last subject nung second day (I/O Psych), ayun halos maluha-luha na ako, di ko kasi nasagutan yung apat na tanong eh akala ko that time pag may blangko, (hal. number 45 yung di ko nasagutan, yung sagot sa number 46 mapupunta sa 45). Tinext ko pa yung mentor ko sabi ko "sir, baka di ako pumasa, may nablangkuhan akong number" sabi naman niya di naman ganun yun. Pero di ako convinced.

When waiting for the exam results, ayun, 10 days agonizing grabe, halos mamatay ako.  Pero naalala ko na around 7:00 am, naliligo ako may nagtext sa akin, sabi topnotcher daw ako. Feeling ko niloloko lang ako kaya diretso PRC at ayun nga nasa TOP 10 ako. Halos maiyak ako sa sobrang tuwa lahat ng sacrifices, worth it. lahat ng pagdududa ko sa sarili ko, nawala. Grabe, ang bait ni Lord. Siguro yun yung pinakaunexpected na nangyari sa buhay ko. 

Napakaunexpected nang lahat. Yung tao na pinagdududahan yung kanyang kakayahan siya pa yung nag-TOP 10. Hirap paniwalaan. Siguro ganun naman talaga ang buhay, minsan kung kailan ka kamuntikan nang sumuko, dun pa papatunayan ni Lord na dapat di ka sumuko. Na matuto rin tayong magtake ng risk. Sabi nga ng mentor namin, "Always remember that you are greater than the 450 questions" kahit magtop ka, pumasa, o bumagsak, hindi yun yung sukatan. The most important thing is the journey itself. At least for me.

#BLEPP2015

#RoadtoRPm

CAV PROCESSING FOR BLEPP 2016

May dalawang mabubuting tao ang naghayag ng kanilang karanasan sa pagpoproseso ng kanilang CAV (Certification, Authentication and Verification). Basahin! 

To our friends and mga kapatid sa Sikolohiya na kukuha ng their CAV para sa board exam...

1.    Go to CHED in Diliman, Quezon City.

2.    Proceed to the second floor and find the window "CAV Application" *madali lang to makita promise*

3.    Prepare the CAV that your Registrar gave you, certified true copies of your diploma at Board Exam TOR and 80php for the fee.

4.    CAV will be released within the day so just be patient. Magti-take talaga ng time kung medyo tangahali na kayo nakarating at may kasabay pa kayong iba (because they're catering whole IV-A and di lang psych ang inaasikaso syempre). Dumating kami sa CHED almost 10am na rin ay nakuha yung CAV namin ng mga 1:30 halos (naglunch pa kasi kami). It would really depend kung what day ka pupunta or kung marami kang kasabay. Dala na lang kayo ng friends, kwento para di kayo mabore along the way.

Contributor:

Ms. Sabrina Summer Samonte Medina

Another case:

Ganito po yung ginawa namin. Pumunta kami sa registrar at nag request ng tor. Tapos nagtanong about sa CAV. Sabi nung sa registrar, kailangang magbayad ng 150 sa acctg tapos mga 1 wk pwede na raw makuha. Sila na mag aasikaso. Pero inabot po ng almost a month. Yun lang po tapos okay na, nakuha na namin.

Contributor:

Ms. Maricar Pinangay

Salamat po sa mga nagshare! Sana mayroon din sa mga Visayas at Mindanao para mas matulungan din yung iba na naliito doon kung may iba pang proseso. J

May gusto ka rin bang i-share? Just send us a message at willing kaming mag-update.

What to review for BLEPP: DSM IV-TR or DSM5?

One of the frequently asked questions that we receive on our FB Page is "What to review DSM IV-TR or DSM5 for the BLEPP?" (DSM - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders / BLEPP - Board Licensure Examinations for Psychologists and Psychometricians).

In the 2016 proposed changes of the TOS (Table of Specifications) for Abnormal Psychology, comparing it with the 2014 TOS, nowhere will you find DSM or ICD 10 specifically or categorically stated as basis for identifying common psychological disorders and its specific symptoms. DSM was a creation of the American Psychiatric Association while the International Classifcation of Diseases (ICD) was made by the World Health Organization (WHO).

So how do we reply to the query. We would answer and reply back to study both DSM IV-TR and DSM5 and be familiarized as well with ICD10. The video below taken from APA link serves as an overview of the changes from the old DSM to the current one. There were reorganization/rearrangement made, some addition on specifier, comorbidity and the like. Some of the major changes, Schizophrenia got expanded through a spectrum;  Mood Disorder is now integrated among Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder; and  Anxiety disorders is now split further into: Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders and Trauma- and stressor-related disorders. It appears that with all the expansion made in DSM5, ICD 10 serves to reflect the older DSM version.

With all those so many disorders so what one should focus into? No definite answer but we would suggest those who ask to refer  to the CHED Course Content since it is the mandated requirements by CHED which I hope the PRC-Board of Psychology would take into consideration when making the exam.

At least cover the following topics:
a) Disorders usually first diagnosed in infancy, childhood or adolescence
b) Cognitive Disorders
c) Substance-related Disorders
d) Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorder
e) Mood Disorders
f) Anxiety Disorders
g) Dissociative Disorders
h) Personality Disorders

Still a lot - better be prepared than regret later on.

Below is a video from APA website - http://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/topss/videos-teachers.aspx

 

Other related links:

http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2015/06/dsm5-videos-from-taylor-study-method.html

http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2014/03/dsm-5-update-for-counselors-students.html

http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2015/03/dsm5-various-slide-presentations.html

 http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2014/09/combined-course-specifications-and-tos.html

2016 Proposed Revision of TOS for BLEPP

Dear PAP members,

The PRB/Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology (PRBP) recently sent a proposed revision of the TOS (Table of Specifications for Psychology) for the licensure exams (see embedded file).  

We are requesting our PAP members to read and comment on the revisions made re: TOS.  We hope to receive your comments within next week for  PAP collation, comments will then be forwarded to the PRB board.

Kindly direct your emails to Dr. John Manuel Kliatchko (jmr_kliatchko@yahoo.com) and Dr. Ma. Paz A. Manaligod  (mariepazm@yahoo.com).

We appreciate your kind attention.

Sincerely,

Ma. Paz A. Manaligod, PhD, RP
Executive Secretary

Unlike the weights for Psychologist Board Exam, for Psychometricians the weights remain the same. The 2016 proposed TOS is observed to be expanded adding more items to the former enumerated out. So it will be more challenging for the examinees to answer. However, the TOS is now more specific and clearer since it was expanded. Some of the outcomes if not the same were restated to make them clearer. 

The use of words such as assess, compare, evaluate, explain, analyze and distinguish belong to the higher level  in the hierarchy of Bloom's Taxonomy of Learning categorized in the level of Application, Analysis, Synthesis and Evaluation.

As such, the BLEPP as an outcome based exam, examinees should pay more attention on the kind of questions they are required to answer and employ corresponding skills necessary to pass the exam.  Since the exam is not simply recall or memorizing and remembering data or facts.

We hope that readers will do as requested by PAP to provide them comment about the TOS that they will forward to the PRB. So we provided a table and our comments comparing the 2014 (old) TOS with the 2016 (proposed) TOS. You can comment both on the comment section of this blog and in our FB page/groups.

TOS items 1, 2, and 5 are restatements, although higher level of thinking is required. Item No. 3 on theories and models is more explicitly than its 2014 version. Item No. 4 perhaps the use of "multipath model" is more appropriate than "multipath theory" per David Sue's (Understanding Abnormal Behavior, 9th Ed.) "The multi-path model is not a theory, but a way of looking at the variety and complexity of contributors to 
mental disorders."

Mostly carry over of the previous TOS except for item 2, it is explicit on group test results and item 5 added outcome is the implication to test interpretations when there's deviations committed and non-standardized practices. 

 TOS for item 2 the outcome task is more on evaluation (determine and appraise) unlike the previous one which is just to identify factors affecting personality. Also, in item 3 is more expanded to include research methods and including behavior, attitude and values of Filipinos (which may form part of personality). 

TOS for item 1 is expanded to include tools and methods in employee selection (outcome is on analysis).  Items 2 and 3 are also expanded particularly on the aspect of major considerations, strategies and methods. Item 4 added compensation systems. Item 5 is expanded to include leadership and organizational development. Item 6 also expanded to include functional units of Human Resource Management System. Item 7 expanded to include also implications of work life balance and well being to I/O Psychology.  



Related links

http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2014/06/comparison-bloom-and-tos-required.html

http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2014/06/outcomes-assessment-faq-examples-and.html

EXPECTATION VS. REALITY [BLEPP 2016 VERSION TIPS]

"Mag-aral ng maaga nang hindi maabala!"

Ito ay isang mahalagang paalala. Dahil malayo pa ang board examination (sa August), marami sa mga nagrereview ang hindi pa ganoong kaseryoso.

Alam ko iyan, dumaan rin ako diyan! Yung tipong pakiramdam mo punong-puno ka ng motivation tapos once na nasa harapan ka ng reviewers mo nalilito ka na kung ano uunahin mo. Kasi alam mo yun? Parang parehas silang matimbang sa'yo. Charot! 💔

Malayo yung expectation sa reality ng pagrereview. Mahirap siyang gawin lalo na kung self-review ka. Kaya kung nag enroll ka sa review center, grab mo na yung opportunity na makinig kasi mayroon kang matututunan, alam mo iyon hindi ka makakauwi kaagad kahit kating-kati ka na kasi nagbayad ka! Mapipilitan ka mag-aral! 😤😂😂

Eh kapag sa self-review, ganito magiging scenario [inspired by true events 👻👻]:

Kapag nasa kwarto ka, tinatawag ka ng kama at unan mo na matulog ka na o humilata ka. Kapag sa sala ka naman, tatawagin ka ng TV para manood, o kaya naman kapag nasa kitchen ka, tatawagin ka ng mga plato at pagkain na naghuhumiyaw sa loob ng ref. 😂😁

1. Mag jot down kung nasa review center ka o kung wala man magsulat ka pa rin sa mga nababasa mo sa book. Mas maganda gumawa ka ng sarili mong reviewer kasi mas madali mo iyon maiintindihan.

2. Makipag-collaborate sa mga co-reviewees. Mas mataas ang retention kapag nagshe-share sa mga kasama. For sure, marami rin naman tayong matututunan mula sa mga kasamahan natin.

3. Mag-organize at magschedule ng mga babasahin. (Please kahit sa isang araw man lang may matutunan ka)

4. Siguraduhing susundin mo ang mga nakaschedule mo.

5. Kumain ng pagkain dahil mahalaga yan! 🐷🐷🐷

6. Magrelax pero wag naman masyadong relax (wag puro twerk twerk, werk werk werk rin)

7. Claim it! Attract good vibes!! 🌟🙏

Oh sya, kita-kits sa oath-taking ha! Claim it! <3 👏👌👊

Love lots,

RPm na nagtuturo. HAHAHA.

#lovepsych #Jedi

Now Available! PRC Online Application for Exam for First Timers and NCR-based

Good news to all those planning to take BLEPP 2016 here in Manila/NCR-based. Please note that PRC online application for exam is now available. Also the application is available only for first timers. Perhaps repeaters will be scheduled on a later time.

Follow these steps:

1) Log-in to your PRC online account ( https://www.prc-online.com/ )
(You must have created first your online PRC account - http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2016/05/prc-online-application-for-examination.html )

2) Click Select transaction (orange block/square)

3) Click Examination and the menu below will appear

  

4) Click proceed and menu below will appear. Choose from the calendar your desired appointment date - starting tomorrow - 23 May 2016.

5) After choosing the date click payment mode - over the counter, online, mobile or Bayad Center. Below would be the transaction receipt which you can bring to your chosen payment mode/option. 

6) Below is the transaction instruction when paying using the Bayad Center through dragonpay.

7) Once you have paid, you can then bring your payment receipt to PRC together with your necessary documents to apply for examination. Below is the checklist of requirements for first timers.

Do give us a feedback on your experience for us to share with others.

For those living outside Manila, check your PRC regional office if application is already open and do let us know to share with others also. Let us wait for further advise for repeaters who will be taking BLEPP 2016 here in Manila and NCR. Share with us information on this regard.

For other information re BLEPP refer to this link -  http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/p/faq-madalas-na-ta.html

Good luck to all. 

Team Dynamics Quiz for BLEPP 2016

Image taken from the internet

Quiz 

1) Described as group of people with different functional expertise working toward a common goal. They come from different departments or units of an organization formed to share information, come up with solutions and address, such team is called 

A.  Virtual team 

B.  Task force team

C.  Cross-functional team 

D.  Self-managed work team

2) From among the choices, which of the following does not describe an effective team   

A.  smooth interpersonal relationship

B.  some degree of resolvable conflict 

C.  a degree of social loafing

D.  concrete team goals

3) How many members are considered the most effective size for teams?

A. Up to 5 members

B. Up to 7 members

C. Up to 9 members

D. Up to 15 members

4) In order, what are stages of team formation goes through according to Tuckman?

A.  Norming, storming, forming, performing, adjourning

B.  Forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning

C.  Forming, staining, norming, performing, adjourning

D.  Founding, norming, storming, performing, adjourning

5) What is groupthink?

A. team pressure to think in a particular way   

B.  individual  compromise to fit within the group

C.  Group assembly to think and exchange ideas

D. Group solution by way of negotiation 

6) A group that is composed of individuals with voluntary membership status, having a low degree of authority, and requiring a high degree of management engagement is called 

A.  Quality circle 

B.  Virtual team

C.  Self-managed team

D.  Cross-functional team 

7) Magiliw Company  implemented team approach when it reorganized. Managers have now little involvement in directing the functioning of these teams that have some moderate authority to govern themselves with the most efficient and effective way they perform their  work.  The team is considered as 

A.  Advisory team 

B.  Cross-functional team

C. Self-managed work team

D.  Virtual team

8) One of characteristics of an effective team player that should not be on the list:

A.  collective leadership skills.

B.  good interpersonal skills.

C.  pursuit of self-initiative 

D. capacity to delegate and trust members

9) It is considered as the particular benefit of teamwork to the organization as a whole

A.  Higher and contagious motivation

B.  Skills and technical expertise are shared and transferred

C.  Sense of worth and fulfillment  

D.  Job enrichment

10) Who is considered as a Shaper in the Belbin Team Role

A.  Creative, imaginative, free-thinking, strength is of generating ideas and solving difficult problems

B.  Single-minded, self-starting, dedicated, reliable when it comes to providing  knowledge and skills 

C.  Challenging, dynamic, thrives on pressure, the driving force is courage to overcome obstacles

D.  Outgoing, enthusiastic, communicative, a networker who explores opportunities and other possibilities 

11. In the study of  Katzenbach and Smith (1993), what is the reason why it is difficult to achieve a high performance team 

A.  Turnover of high achievers who get promoted and transfered 

B.  People have their own individual goals to pusue 

C.  Different position in an organization prevents people to effectively perform in a team

D.  There is an involvement of higher levels of trust and commitment.

12. Recognizing the importance of team in your company which among the following should  not be included in recognizing team effort through monetary rewards?

A.  periodically assess or upgrade the system for rewards and compensation

B.  institutionalize a democratic system for members to develop rating system 

C.  allot time to reflect and execute changes in the reward system 

D.  devise an elaborate and complicated system for reward 

13. As a Quality Control Engineer you serve as the leader for a team composed of  members coming from your department, production, planning, and plant engineering. Your team can be considered as 

A.  self-managed work team

B.  problem-solving team

C.  task force

D. cross-functional team

14. Among the characteristics of an effective team are context, composition, work design and process. Identify which characteristic of a team that refers to presence of adequate resources, effective leadership, climate of trust, performance evaluation and reward.

A.  Process 

B.  Composition

C.  Work design

D.  Context

15. A team member that serves to coordinate and integrates the activities of team members.

A.  adviser 

B.  organizer

C.  linker 

D. maintainer

16. An important contribution of internet and communication technology is the ability of organizations to overcome boundaries and time and still achieve team goals.

A.  problem-solving teams

B.   task forces

C.  cross-functional teams

D.  virtual teams

Transfer your answers here:

Go to this Link - testmoz.com/736590

User name - enter your email address

Passcode - ganap

(You can take the quiz as many times as you want using the same user name and passcode to perfect the quiz. Only correct answers are being displayed.)

Related Links :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-functional_team

http://humanresources.about.com/od/teambuildingfaqs/f/optimum-team-size.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Team_composition