1.
Why use Risk & Needs tests?
In addition to alcohol and drugs, Risk & Needs tests gather other
valuable information. All Risk & Needs tests contain a Truthfulness
Scale to determine the amount of test taker denial, minimization and
faking. And, each test varies according to the client population being
evaluated. Consequently, Risk & Needs tests measure important
behaviors missed by other tests. Risk & Needs has different tests for
different client populations and different evaluation purposes. Risk &
Needs tests are designed for drug courts, adult and juvenile general
population courts, probation departments, corrections (prisons),
parole departments, sex offender evaluations, DUI/DWI offender
screening, violence (lethality) assessment, anger management programs,
shoplifter testing, substance abuse treatment, counseling programs and
other assessment settings. Visit Risk & Needs' test list page for more specific information on tests that you are interested
in. To assist visitor's search for tests, we recommend you begin with
Functionally
Grouped Tests. The table titled
Alphabetically Listed Tests lists
tests alphabetically, which some visitors prefer.
2.
How does Risk & Needs
Assessment, Inc. differ from BDS? Behavior Data Systems (BDS)
and Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. (Risk & Needs) are sister
corporations, and there is some overlap in the tests they represent. BDS specializes more
in DUI/DWI offender assessment and counseling/therapy
assessment instruments. In contrast, Risk & Needs specializes more in
court, probation, corrections and criminal justice tests. Visitors interested in Behavior Data
Systems (BDS) tests should click on the BDS site address
www.bdsltd.com link. You are on Risk & Needs' website
www.riskandneeds.com.
3.
How do these testing systems
work? Risk & Needs test
users sign an agreement by Risk & Needs. Diskettes contain 25 or 50 test
applications. MS-DOS diskettes are self contained and have all of the
software needed to score and print reports on-site. Windows
applications require a one-time installation procedure after which 25
or 50 test data diskettes are used. Training manuals are provided
free. Support services are available by e-mail, telephone and fax.
Clients typically complete tests administered in paper-pencil format,
and their test data is manually entered into the computer, or the
client can take the test directly on the computer monitor. When all
test applications contained on a diskette are used, diskettes are
returned to Risk & Needs. Prior to returning a diskette, the "delete
names" option can be used to ensure confidentiality and compliance
with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501). Test data and
demographics are retained for ongoing research. Data on returned
diskettes is downloaded into that test's expanding database for annual
analysis. And, annual summary reports can also be provided. Ongoing
database research ensures quality control. Annual test program
summaries provide for program self-evaluation.
4.
Who can use these tests?
A wide variety of staff uses evaluation, assessment and screening
instruments. Applications range from troubled youth programs through
pre-employment screening and chemical dependency treatment. Users
include, but are not limited to, school personnel, counselors, DUI/DWI
providers, probation officers, private practitioners, parole officers, juvenile and adult
courts, diversion programs, EAP’s, HMO’s and other professionals.
Training manuals and related materials are provided. Tests assess
client risk and need in each of the scales (measurements) that
comprise the tests. They produce risk-related working hypothesis and
are to be used by experienced staff. These tests do not diagnose.
Risk & Needs has
its test users sign an agreement, and only these users
are allowed to administer its tests. An example agreement is
presented in the
Agreement and
Proposals section of this website and is titled Risk &
Needs Agreement.
5.
How can you tell if the
person taking the test was truthful? It would be naive to
assume everybody answers all test questions honestly. That’s why
Risk & Needs uses Truthfulness Scales and Truth-Corrected
scores. The Truthfulness Scale determines how honest the person was
while completing the test. The Truthfulness Scale detects denial and
faking. Error of measurement associated with untruthfulness is
identified and applied to each test's scale scores, resulting in
Truth-Corrected scores. Truth-correcting is standardized on the test
population. Raw scores may only reflect what the person being tested
wants you to know. Truth-Corrected scores reveal what the test taker
is trying to hide. Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw
scores. To reexamine the About Risk & Needs webpage discussion of the
Truthfulness Scale click on the
Truthfulness (Validity) Scale link.
The Truthfulness Scale is also discussed on each test webpage.
6.
How can you test the
reading impaired? Risk & Needs tests are available
in English and Spanish. Reading levels typically vary around the 5th
or 6th grade. "Short-Form" versions of several tests have been
developed for reading impaired assessment. Many Risk & Needs
tests are now available in the Audio (Human Voice) Reading test
administration mode. This option is new and innovative. The client
sits before the computer with earphones on. Earphones ensure clarity
while eliminating distractions. The "arrow keys" allow the client to
switch back and forth between questions and answers. As each question
or answer is highlighted, it is read to the client. The client can go
back and forth as many times as needed. When the client selects an
answer, the program advances to the next question. Reading can be in
any language, such as English, Spanish or Native American. This
innovative approach to reading impaired evaluation resolves most
bilingual, cultural and reading impaired screening problems. It does
require a multimedia computer with CD-ROM.
7. How is confidentiality
protected? Risk & Needs tests are used in
forty-nine states and two foreign countries. And, there has never been
a confidentiality problem. The confidentiality of the test taker is
insured with the "delete client names" option. Before returning a used
diskette to Risk & Needs, the "delete client names" option can
be used. Once test takers' names are deleted, they are removed from
the diskette. Demographics and test data are retained for subsequent
database analysis and annual program summary. The "delete names"
option is explained in each test's "Orientation & Training Manual" and
"Computer Operating Guide." To reexamine the Unique
Features webpage discussion of client confidentiality, click on the
Delete Names Option
link, or click on the About Risk & Needs webpage's
Confidentiality link.
This procedure insures client confidentiality and compliance with
HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).
8.
Are these tests reliable,
valid and accurate? Correlations between a test and
criteria are called validity coefficients and concurrent validity.
These types of validity have been demonstrated with each test and a
variety of criteria. The tests measure what they purport to measure.
For example, the DRI-II accurately classifies DUI/DWI offenders in
representative risk range classification categories. The DRI-II has been
validated with other objective measures, selected MMPI scales,
experienced staff judgment, polygraph exams, DUI/DWI screening
instruments and other DUI/DWI tests. College students and non-DUI
clients are represented in this research. Yet, the DRI-II has also been
standardized on over one million DUI/DWI offenders. As concluded by
the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) in DOT HS 807 475,
"The DRI-II appears to be by far the most carefully constructed DWI test
. . . Reliability is well established and validity is based on the
DRI-II’s relationship to other established measures." Continuing, "In
settings where it has been adopted as the primary screening instrument
for processing convicted drunk drivers, substance abuse counselors
have reported that it improves the quality of their decisions while
making their task less time-intensive." Reliability studies
demonstrate impressive reliability coefficients.
Each tests webpage has a link to that tests
reliability, validity and accuracy research. In some cases a
specific test-related study is presented, whereas in other cases a
tests "Inventory of Scientific Findings" research is presented.
If additional research is desired, interested parties should contact
Risk & Needs.
New tests are introduced via field tests. And, upon
standardization, each test’s database continues to expand with each
test that is administered. New tests have smaller databases than
established tests. Database research provides a cost efficient
approach to sustaining ongoing research on a test-specific basis.
Sometimes, a scale may be standardized with one test, incorporated in
another test for subsequent standardization on a different population.
For example, the Stress Coping Abilities Scale has been incorporated
in several of our assessment instruments, and its statistical
properties (reliability, validity, etc.) continue to be very
impressive.
Risk & Needs continues to support independent research.
Students are encouraged to utilize these tests in their masters
studies and doctoral dissertations. Prior to participating, Risk &
Needs
requires a letter of intent specifying the name, address and telephone
number of the doctoral supervisor and/or committee chairman. A
research discount can be available for approved research conducted by
qualified independent scientists. Risk & Needs tests' demonstrated reliability,
validity and accuracy provide a sound empirical basis for decision
making.
9. What are the advantages of a
built-in database? Test
software is designed with the capability to save the data, from each
test that is administered, in a confidential (no names) manner. This
procedure allows continued expansion of the test database with each
test that is scored. Databases permit research opportunities that
were not possible before. For example, Risk & Needs' DRI-II database constitutes
one of the most extensive databases ever gathered in the DUI field.
Databases permit ongoing research as well as annual statewide program
summary -- with no additional imposition on staff time and at no
additional cost. Until now, many agencies have lacked the technical
capability and budget necessary for database analysis and summary.
Ongoing database research ensures meaningful quality control. Annual
summary reports provide program self-evaluation.
Built-in databases are an important feature of
Risk & Needs' tests. Consequently, databases are discussed frequently in
the following webpages. For more discussion, you can click on the
About Risk & Needs webpage
Databases
link or the Unique Features webpage
Built-In Database
links. And, an example report is available by clicking on this
Annual Summary Reports link.
10. Are these tests
expensive? By most psychometric standards, these tests are
not expensive. Risk & Needs' proven research continues to deliver the highest
assessment quality, at remarkably affordable prices. Test unit fees
are not only nominal, but everything else is included free. Included
at no additional cost are test booklets in English and Spanish,
computerized human voice reading of tests (if desired), staff
orientation and training manuals, ongoing research, annual summary
reports, and support services. Volume discounts are also available.
We’re so sure you’ll like these tests that we offer a 30-day money
back guarantee. For visiting the Risk & Needs' website, you will receive an additional product
discount. Inform us of your website visit with your first
order, and an additional twenty (20%) percent discount will be applied
to your first order. This product discount is not retroactive and only
applies at the time of your first order. Click on the
Test Unit Fee (Cost) link to go to
the webpage with complete cost information.
With Risk & Needs, there are no hidden costs or
obligations. There is only one cost, and that’s the test unit fee.
Test unit fees are payable within 30 days of receiving ordered testing
materials. Additional cost or test unit fee information can be
provided by e-mail to
hhl@riskandneeds.com,
fax at (602) 266-8227, telephone at
(602) 234-3506, or letter to:
Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc.
P.O. Box 44828
Phoenix, Arizona 85064-4828
11.
Where can I get answers
to my test-related questions? Risk & Needs provides a free
information sharing alternative -- contact us. Risk &
Needs'
e-mail address is
hhl@riskandneeds.com. Risk &
Needs also
encourages interested parties to call (602) 234-3506, fax
(602)
266-8227, e-mail
hhl@riskandneeds.com,
or write Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc., P.O. Box 44828, Phoenix, Arizona
85064-4828.
Selecting a test can be frustrating.
The “understand the attitudes and behaviors you want to evaluate”
approach is explained in the scroll at the beginning of this webpage.
After all, it is the test administrator’s responsibility to select
reliable, valid and accurate tests. And this way, we can get rid of
public domain “free tests” like the MAST, along with interview
procedures and their inter-interviewer reliability problems.
The “Test Comparison
Checklist” is designed specifically for test selection. It
is located midway in each test's webpage. These Test Comparison
Checklists itemize important test features/qualities that should be
considered when selecting a test. This Test Comparison Checklist is a
very direct way of facilitating test selection.
Another direct approach to test selection is offered by clicking in the
Tests Functionally Grouped webpage link. This link is in
the left margin of each of the site's webpages. Adult and juvenile tests
are classified according to their purpose and the settings in which they
are used. On the “Functionally Grouped” webpage, clicking on a test's
name takes you to that test's webpage where the test is described, an
example report is presented, and test-related research is provided.
Another source of tests is the Fourteenth Mental Measurements Yearbook.
Many established tests (not interviews) are represented. In additional to
being sold at most bookstores, current Yearbooks are usually available in
most libraries.
12.
Risk Ranges explained:
Risk & Needs tests determine client risk by a series of
equations, which classify clients according to four risk ranges. These
risk ranges and the percentages of clients expected to fall in each
risk range are as follows: low (zero-39th percentile or
39%), medium (40-69th percentile or 30%), problem (70-89th
percentile or 20%) and severe problem (90-100th percentile
or 11%). A problem is identified when a client’s
scale score is at or above the 70th percentile.
These percentages were initially derived from available literature.
Subsequently they have been endorsed by our peers and test users
across the United States.
|
SCALE RANGES |
|
Risk
Category |
Risk Range
Percentile |
Total
Percentage |
| Low Risk |
0 – 39% |
39% |
| Medium Risk |
40 – 69% |
30% |
|
Problem Risk |
70 – 89% |
20% |
|
Severe Problem |
90 – 100% |
11% |
Validity analyses support the use of these risk
ranges. Problem risk (70th percentile and above) identifies at
least 98 percent of clients who have problems. In these analyses, clients
who have had treatment are assumed to have problems. These clients are
compared to clients who have not had treatment (no problem). Within these
two groups, clients who scored at or above the 70th percentile
are compared to clients who scored at or below the 39th
percentile (low risk). In every analyses studied, at least 98 percent of
the clients who had treatment scored at or above the 70th
percentile. These findings support the 70th percentile as the
threshold for identifying problems.
Classifying clients according to pre-defined risk
ranges provides an efficient and workable solution to the complex problem
of determining client risk. In this way risk range classification accuracy
can be determined. The percentages of clients falling into each risk range
should closely approximate these predicted (cognitively established) risk
range percentages. All Risk & Needs tests are demonstrated to be
accurate within two percent of predicted risk range percentages.
13.
How about research support?
Risk & Needs actively supports research involving its
tests. We support research by providing Risk & Needs test materials and the
use of the Risk & Needs tests at little or no cost to approved researchers. Students
are required to provide the name and address of their major professor,
chair or faculty advisor that will be Risk & Needs' contact person.
Interested parties should contact Risk & Needs by telephone
(602) 234-3506, fax
(602)
266-8227 or e-mail
hhl@riskandneeds.com.
The thirteen Frequently Asked Questions table of
contents links were presented at the beginning of this webpage.
Due to the length of this webpage, we included the table of contents
links again. Sometimes, it helps to be able to quickly locate a
topic of interest.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:
We have designed a support page as an added
resource in an attempt to answer some of the questions you may have
while viewing our site. Topics covered range from the resolution
settings recommended for viewing our site to bookmarking and printing
pages. Where appropriate, step-by-step instructions guide you through
the operational procedures. Click on the
Technical Support Page link to view
this webpage.
ANNUAL SUMMARY REPORTS:
Risk & Needs can access each of its tests built-in database
for statistical analysis and summarization of all tests administered in a
year. Annual Summary Reports are prepared for state, department,
agency and even some individual providers -- at no cost to them.
These reports are provided as a professional courtesy to large volume test
users. Summary reports include demographics, court-history when
relevant, and test statistics (reliability, validity and accuracy).
Has anyone offered to summarize your testing program? Annually? At
no additional cost to you? Minimum testing volume for annual reports
is 350 tests. There is no maximum limit. Risk & Needs' annual reports
range in size from 350 tests to over 50,000 tests annually. An
example Annual Summary Report can be viewed by clicking on this
Annual Summary Report
link.
How to Order a Test: If you are interested in ordering tests, please fill out the online order form
provided on the
How
to Order page. If you
are a new customer, you should read the "Instructions for New Customers"
section on the
New Client Setup
page before you can order any tests. Current Risk & Needs customers can
write, call, fax or e-mail their orders to Risk & Needs. And, if desired they can
read
the "Instructions for Current Customers" section on the
How to Order page and fill out the online
form.
Test-related questions vary
widely. Consequently, Risk & Needs' e-mail address provides a way to pursue topics of interest, resolve
ambiguities, get answers to questions or assist others. And,
additional information can be provided upon request; Risk & Needs' e-mail address
is
hhl@riskandneeds.com.
WEBSITE RECOMMENDATIONS: An
easy way to refer this website to your co-workers and colleagues is
available to you by clicking on the
Website Recommendations link. Type in the e-mail address of
the person you want to introduce to this Risk & Needs website and click
on the submit button. It's that easy.
We hope this website has answered some of your questions.
We understand that all questions can not be anticipated. That is why we
encourage visitors to call (602) 234-3506,
e-mail hhl@riskandneeds.com or fax
(602) 266-8227 their questions to
Risk & Needs Assessment.
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