Psychometric Assesment

A psychometric assessment is an objective and scientifically standardised examination of a person's abilities in general or specific areas. These tests comprise of formal and structured exercises which are administered by our psychologists. The exercises have been carefully researched and tested to make sure they are valid, fair and reliable. Furthermore, the psychometric assessments are administered and scored in a standardised way so that individual results can be compared to normative data.

At the BrainWave Centre, we offer in-depth assessment of intellectual ability and academic performance using the Weschler's Intelligence Scales for adults and children (WPPSI-R for infants, WISC-IV for children and WAIS-III for adults), the South Australian Spelling Test and the Neale Analysis of Reading. These assessments give a quantitative analysis as well as providing the opportunity for subjective observation which together assist in the detection of learning difficulties, or developmental problems.

In addition, the assessment gives a valid indication of a child's giftedness (superior intelligence).

Testing Procedure

The following is a description of the typical procedure undergone by a patient who comes to the BrainWave Centre for psychometric assessment.

1. The patient is advised to arrive at the the Diagnostic and Treatment Centre at least 10 minutes prior to their appointment time, notifying the receptionist of his/her arrival.
2. When one of our skilled psychologists is ready to begin the assessment they will call the patient into the sound proof testing room and begin the testing.
   
   WISC-IV consists of two major scales - Verbal scale and Performance scale. Some exercises and activities associated with each scale are used for measurement of various abilities.
   For example, exercises on vocabulary and general knowledge contribute to the Verbal Scale and exercises on digit span and block design contribute to the Performance Scale. The same exists for the WAIS-III and WPPSI-R. The tests produce a Full Scale Intelligence Quotient which is computed by the psychologist by hand and using specialised software (WISC-IV only). The tests are extensive and the examiner will provide the subject with ten to twenty minute breaks between modules.
3. Psychometric assessments take approximately three hours to complete and include other tests of academic ability such as the South Australian Spelling test, and the Neale Analysis of Reading. Again breaks are included.
4. On completion of the tests the patient is free to leave. Results can be expected within 2 - 3 weeks.

Results

Results are compared against normative data. Analysis of results and a personalised and interpretive report with recommendations is produced. This report identifies strengths and weaknesses (This will be sent to the referring physician who can explain results to the patient). Information is provided on how to best utilise the results to produce the best outcome for the patient.

Follow Up

Included within the psychometric assessment is the administration and analysis of the Self Report Rating Scales which is commonly used in clinical psychological practice. For further investigations into learning difficulties or for the identification of giftedness, the BrainWave Centre recommends sensory, cognitive and neuropsychological evaluations using memory, spatial, perceptual and attention assessments.