A
About Risk & Needs Webpage
This webpage presents the "Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. (Risk & Needs)
Story." Easy Reference topic links facilitate quick review of topics of
interest. And, the two overlapping corporations (BDS and Risk & Needs) are
explained. Topic links to other important website features are provided. Click
on the About Risk & Needs link on the left side
of each webpage.
Accuracy
Accuracy refers to demonstrated reliability, validity and accuracy statistics.
This provides a sound basis for decision making. The Truthfulness Scale detects
faking, and Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores. Described
on the Unique Features page, item
#10. Test accuracy is discussed in the About Risk & Needs webpage and
the Unique Features webpage.
ACDI-Corrections Version II
A comprehensive juvenile assessment or screening test. Used in juvenile courts,
probation departments, community corrections and treatment programs. A widely
used juvenile test. The ACDI-Corrections Version II is listed on the Risk
& Needs Tests Alphabetically Grouped and the Risk & Needs Tests
Functionally Grouped webpage.
Active Vocabulary
Within the context of this website, active vocabulary refers to a person's
speaking vocabulary. In contrast to a person's passive
vocabulary (what they hear and understand), an active vocabulary is
synonymous with a person's "spoken" or "speaking" vocabulary.
Adjustment Scale
Measures a person’s ability to modify their attitudes and behaviors to
effectively meet the demands of life, such as dealing with stressful or
problematic situations. Measures the degree of successful adaptation of a
person to their social and physical environment.
Affordable
Risk & Needs proven research continues to deliver the highest assessment
quality at remarkably competitive prices. The
Test Unit Fee (Cost) link in the left margin of each webpage sets forth
Risk & Needs' test costs. Risk & Needs Test Unit Fee (Cost) is
explained, volume discounts are presented and the 20% first order discount is
clarified.
Aggression-Frustration Hypothesis
Defined as: (coined by J. Dellard) is a postulate that aggressive behavior is a
response to frustration. Sometimes referred to as the Frustration-Aggression
Hypothesis.
Aggressiveness Scale
Measures strong self-assertiveness, social dominance, and a tendency towards
hostility. Conduct disorders or extreme cases are characterized by persistent,
repetitive, domineering and even assaultive verbal or physical conduct.
Agreement & Proposals Webpage
Risk & Needs Test Unit Fees (Cost) are presented and explained. The Risk
& Needs Client or User Agreement is set forth. Interested parties can print
this Agreement by clicking on the Print Client User
Agreement button. The Support Service Information Form is also
presented along with easy to print instructions. And, links to other Risk &
Needs website pages are included for easy website navigation. Click on the
Agreement & Proposals link on the left side of each webpage.
Alcohol Scale
Measures the severity of alcohol (beer, wine, and other liquors) use or abuse.
Alcohol abuse is a form of substance abuse in which alcoholic beverages are
consumed more frequently or in larger amounts than is considered normal or
healthy. Alcoholism refers to a chronic dependency on alcoholic beverages.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Defined as: A voluntary organization of alcoholics and ex-alcoholics seeking to
control their compulsive urge to drink through understanding, fellowship and
emotional/social support. Also referred to as a 12-step program.
Alpha Coefficient
The most common reliability statistic is the alpha coefficient or coefficient
alpha. This statistic gives the average inter-item correlation. It is the
average correlation between all possible pairs of test items. Usually this
statistic is computed for the reliability of a scale because all of the scale
items pertain to a single topic or area of inquiry.
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
Patient Placement Criteria for the Treatment of Substance-Related Disorders,
Second Edition (ASAM PPC-2). American Society of Addiction Medicine, Inc. Chevy
Chase, Maryland 1996. This is a clinical guide to be used in matching patients
to appropriate levels of care. Risk & Needs Assessment test
recommendations are ASAM compatible.
ANOVA (Analysis of Variance)
ANOVA. Defined as: (R.A. Fisher) is a statistical procedure that isolates the
joint and separation effects of independent variables upon a dependent variable
and tests them for statistical significance. Formula F= MS among groups / MS
within groups. The ANOVA tests are used in the analysis of variance, such as
F-test. A better definition can be found in any statistics text. Analysis
of Variance differs from the t-test statistic in that it is used when there are
more than two variables being studied.
Antisocial Behavior
Refers to attitudes and behaviors that are opposed to society or to existing
social organization and moral codes. Antisocial aggressive acts have socially
destructive consequences. Antisocial behavior refers to aggressive, impulsive
and sometimes violent actions that flout social and ethical codes, such as laws
and regulations relating to personal and property rights
Anxiety
Is usually defined as a pervasive and unpleasant feeling of tension, dread,
apprehension of impending disaster. It is often referred to as undefined fear
or apprehension. An Anxiety Scale measures manifest anxiety.
Assessment
Psychological tests are standardized instruments (test, assessment, screening,
inventory, examination, evaluation, etc.) used to measure mental abilities,
attitudes, motives and behavior. Contemporary self-report tests are
objective instruments with demonstrated reliability, validity and
accuracy. They should be normed or standardized on the population of
clients the test will be used to evaluate.
Automated (computer-scored) Tests
Tests that are scored by a computer. They can be very accurate and timely. Risk
& Needs' automated tests can score and print test reports on-site within 2½
minutes of data entry. All Risk & Needs tests are automated
(computer-scored) on-site.
B
Behavior Data Systems, Ltd.
Is a privately held company based in Phoenix, Arizona. Its mission is to develop
and publish reliable, valid and accurate assessment instruments or tests that
are designed for specific purposes and specific client or offender groups. Its
philosophy is that accurate assessment is born out of tests designed for and
standardized on specific offender or client groups. One test is not suitable
for all assessment and evaluation purposes. It just makes sense -- if you want
different information for different assessment purposes, you have to ask
different questions. This philosophy has contributed to Behavior Data Systems’
(BDS’s) success and its state of the art reputation in the testing field.
C
Classification
Refers to the orderly arrangement of data in terms of an overall criterion. J.
Piaget defined it as the ability to sort stimuli into categories according to
similar characteristics, such as “present” or “absent.” In the mental health
field, it organizes symptomatology along a continuum, such as normal use, abuse
and dependency. A well known classification system is the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV).
Coefficient of Correlation (r)
This is the statistic used in correlation and it represents the degree of
relationship between the two variables being studied. The correlation
coefficient varies from -1 for perfect negative correlation to +1 for perfect
positive correlation. This means that change in one variable is accompanied by
equal change in a second variable either in a positive direction (+1) or
negative direction (-1). A correlation coefficient of zero means that the two
variables are not correlated. Values between 0 and +1 reflect varying degrees
of positive correlation. Values between 0 and -1 reflect varying degrees of
negative correlation.
Computer Operating Guide
The Computer Operating Guide provides detailed explanations of test-related
hardware and software. This manual focuses upon test-related functions, e.g.,
scoring, printing and saving test data. This guide provides detailed
computer-related instructions for Risk & Needs test users.
Concurrent Validity
There are many statistical tests used to validate an assessment instrument or
test. A common practice is to administer to the same respondents a criterion
test along with the assessment test. The criterion test is a previously
validated test of what the assessment test should measure. This method of
validation is called concurrent validity. The correlation between the two
measures determines if the assessment test is valid. This statistic is called a
validity coefficient. It is rare to find validity coefficients in excess of
.60, usually they are much lower.
Confidentiality
Risk & Needs tests include a computer procedure for eliminating names from
respondent test data. This procedure insures client confidentiality
and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).
Confidential or privileged information is protected from unauthorized
access. Confidentiality is a principle of ethics requiring
licensed/certified mental health professionals to keep secret patient
information (as well as tests scores). Confidentiality is discussed in
the About Risk & Needs webpage and the Unique Features webpage.
Correlation
A tendency of paired measures to vary concomitantly, so that the two measures
are related. The correlational method is a statistical method to establish
noncausal relationships between two or more variables. A relationship
between paired sets of measures is called a correlation. We want to know
the degree to which the paired measures co-relate. See also Correlation
Coefficient below or Coefficient of Correlation above.
Correlation Coefficient
A number that represents the degree of correlation. This number varies from
zero, or no correlation, to +1, a perfect positive correlation, or -1, a
perfect negative correlation. A value of zero means that the two variables are
not related. A widely used statistic is Pearson’s product moment correlation
coefficient.
Cost
Cost and testing expenses are discussed in the About Risk & Needs webpage,
the Unique Features webpage and the Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
On each webpage the Test Unit Fee
(Cost) link is presented in the left margin. Risk & Needs
test unit fee, cost or testing fees are clearly discussed and set forth.
In addition, volume discounts are explained.
Cost Savings
Can be impressive when using screening or assessment instruments to filter out
individuals with problems then refer these clients for further evaluation,
intervention or treatment. This approach is efficient, timely and cost
effective. Setting aside the fact that early problem identification facilitates
quicker treatment while improving outcomes, let’s simply look at cost.
|
Test 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
Risk |
90 -
100% |
11% |
For example, let’s assume 1,000 people are screened for admission into your
program each year. Each is screened at a cost of $8.00 per screening. This
totals $8,000.00. Then, let’s assume eleven (11% severe problems) percent of
these 1,000 people are identified (110 people) as having severe problems
requiring referral for a more comprehensive psychological evaluation at the
very conservative cost of $750.00 per evaluation. This would cost ($750.00 x
110 people) $82,500.00.
In comparison, if all 1,000 people were administered a psychological evaluation
at $750.00 per evaluation, the cost would be $750,000.00.
For comparison, subtract $750,000.00 from $82,500.00, and you get a savings of
$668,000.00. It is an understatement to observe that screening and referring
people with identified problems would result in large savings with no
compromises in people receiving needed services.
In this example, 89% (contingent upon the agency’s policy) of the people
screened would not be referred for additional evaluation/treatment services.
With a screening program, savings (dollars) would be large, with no compromises
in people receiving appropriate evaluation services. Indeed, with a screening
program, it is likely that more needy people would receive referral. Without a
standardized program, there is usually more risk of over or under-utilization
of additional services.
With Risk & Needs, screening costs would never exceed $9.95 per person
screened. Vary the other costs so they are consistent with your geographical
area. After you’ve done the math, we at Risk & Needs would appreciate
hearing your results.
Cross-tab, or cross-tabulation, Statistics
Is a statistical procedure that displays special frequency distributions in
table format. The frequency distribution of one variable is subdivided
according to the values of one or more variables. Each cell in the table is the
unique combination of values for two or more variables. For example, the
frequency distribution of age can be subdivided by males and females.
D
Database
All administered tests are included in a test's built-in database for subsequent
analysis. Databases permit ongoing cost efficient test-related research and
annual summary program summary reports. Described on the
Unique Features page, item #7. Databases are discussed in the
About Risk & Needs webpage and the Unique Features webpage.
Defendant Questionnaire (DQ)
The DQ is an automated (computer-scored) test that is designed for defendant
(male and female) assessment in court-related settings. It is appropriate for
adult misdemeanor and felony cases. The DQ is listed on the Tests
Alphabetically Listed webpage. And is appropriate for use in Adult Drug
Courts.
Delete Names
The delete names program and protecting confidentiality is discussed in the
About Risk & Needs webpage and the Unique Features webpage.
Risk & Needs Assessment has a proprietary "delete names" software program
that enables test users to delete client/offenders names from diskettes with a
few keystrokes, before returning used diskettes to Risk & Needs. This
procedure insures client confidentiality and compliance with
HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501)
Demographic Information
Data related to respondents. This information includes age, gender,
race/ethnicity, education and marital status. Risk & Needs reports this
information in aggregate form and respondents are not identified in any way.
Depression
Is typically defined as an emotional state of pervasive dejection, ranging from
relatively mild discouragement to feelings of extreme despondency and despair.
The feelings are usually accompanied by loss of initiative, listlessness,
insomnia, loss of appetite and difficulty in concentrating. There are many
“types” of depression.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV)
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV). The
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has been revised in
several editions: I (1952), II (1968), III (1980), and IV (1994). Many
insurance companies use DSM classification categories for mental health
professional reimbursement for services provided. Most United States health
care professionals are aware of the DSM-IV.
Discount
First order discounts are discussed in the About Risk & Needs webpage,
Unique Features webpage and the Frequently Asked Questions webpage. When
you mention this website while making your first test order a 20%
discount applies. This discount is not retroactive.
Discriminant Validity
In a multi-scale test, it is important that the test’s measures or scales tap
something unique when compared to its other scales or measures. Discriminant
validity refers to empirical evidence of its divergence between scale scores.
Discriminant validity is a very desirable feature in multi-scale tests.
Discriminant validity requires empirical evidence of divergence between two
separate and independent measures in tests that are supposed to differ from one
another. Risk & Needs’ tests have empirically demonstrated discriminant
validity. Risk & Needs also defines discriminate validity as divergence
between offender groups. Comparisons between first and multiple offenders
determine the extent that scale scores differentiate between these two offender
groups. Multiple offenders usually have higher scale scores than first
offenders because their problems are more severe.
Driver Risk Inventory-II (DRI-II)
The Driver Risk Inventory-II is designed specifically for DUI/DWI offender
assessment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
reviewed all major DUI/DWI offender tests and rated the DRI as the best.
NHTSA is the highest federal authority in the DUI field. A DRI-II Short
Form is also available. Both the DRI-II and the DRI-II Short Form have
outstanding reliability, validity and accuracy. Both of these tests are
listed on the Tests Alphabetically Listed and Tests Functionally Grouped
webpages.
Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI)
The DVI evaluates adult domestic violence offenders. It is a popular test in the
U.S. A juvenile domestic violence offender test evolved from the DVI and is
called the DVI-Juvenile. There is also a DVI Short Form. And the DVI Pre-Post
is an outcome measure of domestic violence treatment effectiveness. All of
these tests are listed in the Tests Alphabetically Listed and Tests
Functionally Grouped webpages.
Drug Court Tests
Risk & Needs Assessment offers several "drug court tests." It offers
tests that can be used in both adult and juvenile drug courts. Go to the
Tests Functionally Grouped to select adult or juvenile drug court
tests.
E
Elevated Scores
Elevated Scores refer to percentile scores that are at or above the 70th
percentile. Elevated scores indicate a problem is present. Risk &
Needs tests use "scale scores" consequently an elevated score indicates a
problem in the scales area of inquiry. For example, an elevated Alcohol Scale
score indicates the respondent has an alcohol-related problem.
E-mail
Evaluation
Psychological tests are standardized instruments (test, assessment, screening,
inventory, examination, evaluation, etc.) used to measure mental abilities,
attitudes, motives and behavior. Contemporary self-report tests are
objective instruments with demonstrated reliability, validity and
accuracy. They should be normed or standardized on the population of
clients the test will be used to evaluate.
Examination
Psychological tests are standardized instruments (test, assessment, screening,
inventory, examination, evaluation, etc.) used to measure mental abilities,
attitudes, motives and behavior. Contemporary self-report tests are
objective instruments with demonstrated reliability, validity and accuracy.
They should be normed or standardized on the population of clients the test
will be used to evaluate.
Examination Kit
Examination kits contain a 2-test demonstration kit, test booklet, answer sheets
and a training manual. Allows interested parties to use a test and print out a
report. These kits are free. Described on the Unique
Features page, item #7.
Examination Kit Request Webpage
If you would like a test’s examination kit mailed to you on a 30-day free basis,
simply complete the order form, and click on the Submit
button. This examination kit ordering procedure is very straightforward and
easy to implement. Just complete the form, and click on the
Submit button. Click on the Examination
Kit Request link on the left side of each webpage.
F
Faking
As might be expected, many people being tested try to present themselves in a
favorable light. When evaluating clients, patients, defendants, probationers,
inmates and parolees attempts to "fake good" are common. It would be very naïve
to assume that everybody tested was truthful. This emphasizes the
importance of Truthfulness Scales and Truth Corrected scores. The term
faking incorporates denial, minimization of problems and deliberate faking or
falsification of answers.
Focused Interview
Objective and standardized tests can identify areas of concern and problematic
behaviors. And a focused interview can zero in or focus upon those
test-identified problematic areas. A focused interview saves staff time without
compromising the purpose of the evaluation.
Forensic Tests
Also known as "courtroom" or "criminal" testing. The application of
psychological principles and testing techniques in law, court evaluations and
risk assessment. Forensic refers to the law and courts. Many Risk
& Needs Assessment tests are designed for use in adult, juvenile and drug
courts. Refer to the
Tests Functionally Grouped webpage for quick identification of these
tests. To quickly locate Risk & Needs Assessment forensic tests go to
the
Tests Functionally Grouped webpage and scroll down to court, probation
or corrections tests.
Frequency Distribution
A presentation of data that shows the frequency or number of times that each
score occurs. For example, the number of times a score of zero occurred in the
data. This can also be thought of as the number of people tested who scored
zero. Frequency distributions include the percentage of people who had each
score.
Frequently Asked Questions Webpage
Twelve frequently asked questions are presented and discussed. Each of these
questions and answers was included because they are frequently asked. The Risk
& Needs Test Unit Fee (Cost) link is included in the discussion of "Are
These Tests Expensive?" This webpage will likely be of interest to people
seriously interested in testing. Click on the
Frequently Asked Questions link on the left side of each webpage.
G
Gambler Addiction Index (GAI)
The GAI is a test specifically designed for evaluating gamblers. This test is
standardized on "gamblers." The GAI has 7 scales (measures): 1. Truthfulness,
2. Gambler, 3. Suicide, 4. Alcohol, 5. Drugs, 6. Attitude and 7. Stress Coping
Abilities. The GAI is listed on both the Tests Alphabetically Listed and
Tests Functionally Grouped webpages.
Guest Log Webpage
The intent of Risk & Needs' Guest Log is to establish communication links
with website visitors. Risk & Needs would like to interconnect with people
interested in testing. Click on the Guest Log link
on the left side of each webpage.
H
Home Webpage
Honesty, Tests of
Risk & Needs tests utilize a proprietary "honesty" or Truthfulness Scale
that determines how truthful the respondent was while completing the test. Many
believe that a Truthfulness Scale is an essential part of contemporary
tests. Truthfulness Scales have empirically demonstrated reliability,
validity and accuracy.
Human Voice Audio
Automated human voice reading of test questions and answers. Requires a
computer, earphones and up-down keyboard instructions. Described on the
Unique Features webpage, item #4. Human voice audio testing is
discussed in the About Risk & Needs webpage and the Unique Features
webpage.
I
Inter-interviewer Reliability
Because interviewers must repeat, paraphrase and probe for acceptable answers,
the interview is a subjective procedure. And all interviews have serious
inter-interviewer reliability problems. Contributing factors include
interviewer training, motivation and personality.
Internal Search Webpage
This is Risk & Needs' website’s own search engine. By entering one or two
keywords into the Search for box and
clicking on the Start Search button, the
list of pages with those terms are provided. Some visitors want to "cut to the
chase" and go right to pages containing their interest words. Click on the
Internal Search link on the left side of each webpage.
Interviews
Interviews or interview-based assessment and evaluations. The following six
observations apply to all interview-based evaluations:
1. Interviews are not tests.
2. Interviews are subjective. Interviews must repeat, paraphrase and probe for
answers. And, interviewers’ personalities, training and motivation vary
greatly. Serious questions exist regarding inter-interviewer reliability and
accuracy.
3. There are many interviewer and liability issues associated with the absence
of empirically proven inter-interviewer reliability and accuracy that don’t go
away because the interview is called semi-structured.
4. Statements that interview-based evaluations are “free” can be very
misleading. Aside from the interview time, there is review/scoring time, report
writing time, typing time and worry about liability issues time that are always
there.
5. Responsible attorneys will scrutinize accountability, training, liability,
inter-interviewer reliability and blame to determine interview involvement and
accountability.
6. Interviewers are involved in more paperwork. Scoring, writing reports,
completing forms, interview summary reports and outcome predictions contribute
to a massive pile of paperwork that is required for interview-based performance
review. And, it is the interviewer’s responsibility to have these records
available when challenged.
Interviews are not tests. Interview-based assessment has very serious
inter-interviewer reliability problems. Interviews are not tests. All
interviews, including the ASI, SARAH and SUDDS, are subjective. Interviewers
must report, paraphrase and probe for answers. And, interviewers’
personalities, training and motivation vary greatly.
J
Juvenile Tests
The term “juvenile test” refers to tests that are designed for juveniles,
troubled youth and adolescents. The age range for these tests is usually 12 to
18 years. However, maturity and a youth’s reading level often determine
practical age range use limits. A conservative age range is 12 to 18 years for
both boys and girls.
L
M
Mental Measurement Yearbook
This book includes reviews of most psychological tests. If a "test" is not
listed, it is likely that the "test" is not a test but another procedure like
an interview. The Fourteenth Mental Measurement Yearbook. Editors: Barbara
Plake and James Impara. The Buros Institute of Mental Measurement, Lincoln,
Nebraska.
Minnesota
Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)
Is a widely used psychopathology test. The MMPI was first published in 1943 and
revised in 1993. The MMPI dominated the field of testing in the 50’s, 60’s,
70’s and 80’s. The MMPI is a long true/false test that has been automated
(computer-scored) and is widely used in the United States. The MMPI has been
called a “Personality test” and has introduced many important psychometric
techniques, including the “Truthfulness Scale” and “multi-scale” tests.
Multiple Scale Tests
Most contemporary assessors, psychometrists and evaluators prefer tests with
more than one scale. Reasons include acquiring more information in important
(or related) areas of inquiry. All Risk & Needs tests are multiple scale
tests. Each test has a Truthfulness Scale, Alcohol Scale and Drugs Scale in
addition to other scales important to the assessments purpose. A
multidimensional test lends itself to recidivism prediction.
Multiple Scales
Multiple scales and sources of information are discussed in the About Risk &
Needs webpage and the Unique Features webpage. Scales refer to areas of
inquiry, measures or specific questions grouped around the topic or area of
inquiry. Multiple means more that one.
N
Needs
The behavioral, attitudinal and emotional factors unique to each offender.
Important for corrective action in order to change criminal or maladaptive
behavior. These are dynamic (or changing) variables, such as, substance
(alcohol and other drugs) abuse, violence (lethality), antisocial thinking,
self-esteem, resistant attitudes, distress (mental and physical),
aggressiveness, judgment, stress coping abilities and in some cases sexual
adjustment. In a broader sense need refers to requirements, demands,
wants, insufficiency, crisis and absences.
New Test Introduction Webpage
This is Risk & Needs' new test introduction webpage. Risk & Needs will
introduce its new tests via this webpage. Risk & Needs anticipates
introducing one new test each year. This webpage gives test users an
opportunity to use the new test for four months free. Click on the
New Test Introduction link on the left side of each webpage.
NHTSA
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the highest federal
authority in the DUI/DWI field. After reviewing the major DUI/DWI offender
tests they concluded the Driver Risk Inventory (DRI) was the best (DOT HS 807
475). The NHTSA report summarized on the Driver Risk Inventory-II (DRI-II
webpage).
Normative Sample
Refers to a sample representing a larger population, e.g., a normative sample of
ethnic groups in the U.S. A test is often normed or standardized on a
representative sample of the people the test was designed to assess.
Norm
A standard or range of values representing the typical performance of a group
against which comparisons can be made. Another vein is any pattern of behavior
or performance that is typical of a certain group. Synonyms include standard,
criterion, gauge and benchmark.
Normed
In psychometrics and statistics “normed” means that percentiles for given test
scores are established for various populations. A test that has been normed on
prison inmates has computed percentiles from prison inmate test scores. A
representative sample of prison inmates is a good estimate of the prison inmate
population.
O
Objective Test
Ideally an objective test is the opposite of a subjective test. Objective tests
minimize evaluator subjectivity. Objective tests allow calculation of
reliability, validity and accuracy. Risk & Needs tests meet the criterion
of objective tests.
One-Page Quick Start
With regard to Risk & Needs' tests, some computer operators want more
information than others. The One-Page Quick Start presents very straightforward
1-2-3 instructions for scoring and printing Risk & Needs tests. Computer
operators that want more detailed information are referred to the Computer
Operating Guide.
Orientation and Training Manual
This manual explains how the test it is describing works. Topics include, but
are not limited to, test description, scale delineation, scoring methodology
specification, test administration narration and unique feature
characterization. Within the context of this website, we are referring to a
training manual. Research is referenced and available under separate
documentation.
Other Website Links Webpage
Many organizations across the United States and Canada are involved in
screening, assessment, evaluations and testing. This webpage presents website
links to some of these organizations. Click on any of these links to read a
brief summary of the website that is represented. Then, if interested, you can
click on that website’s link to visit it. Click on the
Other Website Links link on the left side of each webpage.
Outcome Measures
Today, many people (clients, third party payers, assessment staff, counseling
and treatment staff, etc.) are interested in a patient’s outcome. After some
form of intervention, counseling or treatment did the patient get better, stay
the same or get worse? Outcome tests are listed at the end of the
Sitemap.
P
Passive Vocabulary
Within the context of this website, "passive vocabulary" refers to the words and
phrases a person hears and understands. This is in contrast to a person's
active vocabulary or what they say, i.e., their speaking vocabulary.
Paper-pencil test
Traditionally tests were completed by the respondent marking answers to test
questions on an answer sheet. Since they used a pencil these tests were called
paper-pencil tests. Today, tests can be given directly on the computer monitor
and by "human voice audio."
Percentile Score
A score that represents the percentage of cases that fall below the value of any
given test score, e.g., a percentile rank of 80 indicates that in 80 percent of
the cases tested a lower score was recorded. Also called cumulative
percentages.
Power Point Tutorials
Power Point Tutorials are discussed in the Unique Features webpage. Risk
& Needs has power point tutorials on CD's for the Driver Risk Inventory-II
, Defendant Questionnaire and Domestic Violence Inventory tests. These
tutorials contain separate chapters on test installation, Orientation and
Training Manuals, test description, example reports and more. These
tutorials enable staff to learn about these tests at their home or office and
progress at their own speed. These tutorials are provided by Risk &
Needs Assessment.
Prediction
The determination in advance of certain other events, e.g., the test predicts
the recidivism rate of drug abuse offenders. Synonyms include prophecy,
forecast and prognosis. Court, probation and corrections staff refer to
recidivism prediction.
Predictive Validity
The degree of relationship between a test that is used to predict performance
and the performance (behavior) itself. Can be thought of as measuring correct
identification. A respondent who has been arrested for a violent crime is
predicted to score in the problem range on the Violence Scale. The percentage
of respondents who had violent crime arrests and had problem risk scores
(correct identification) determines the predictive validity of the Violence
Scale.
Prior History
Many Risk & Needs court, probation and corrections tests include
court-related information that is recorded on the test answer sheet. This
information is factored into some scale scores for the purpose of face or
content validity. Prior history information may influence scale scores for
those offenders who minimize their problems.
Prison Inmate Inventory (PII)
The PII is a prison (penitentiary or reformatory) inmate test. The PII has 10
scales (measures: 1. Truthfulness, 2. Violence, 3. Antisocial, 4. Adjustment,
5. Self-Esteem, 6. Judgment, 7. Distress, 8. Alcohol, 9. Drugs and 10. Stress
Coping Abilities. The PII has 161 items and takes 34 to 40 minutes to complete.
The PII is listed on the Tests
Alphabetically Listed and Tests
Functionally Grouped webpages.
Providers
Agency, company, resource, or person providing care or services to the client or
offender. In psychometrics, providers can refer to test developers or test
users (administrators). Providers in this website refer to providers of
screening, assessment, evaluation and testing services.
Psychometrist
Sometimes referred to as a psychometrician. A specialist in the science of
screening, assessment, evaluation and testing. A person who specializes in
psychological measurement, either as a test constructor or as a test examiner.
R
Raw Score
The original score on a test before it has been transformed for comparison
(e.g., percentiles) to other scores.
Reading Level
The level at which a test can be read. All Risk & Needs tests are written at
a 5th to 6th grade reading level. Some estimate that 20+
percent of the United States population have reading deficiencies.
Reliability
Reliability can be thought of as the likelihood that scores are reproducible. A
test that is reliable will result in similar scores for the respondent time and
time again. The importance of repeatability cannot be over-emphasized. If
different scores were gotten each time a test was taken then completely
different interpretations of the test scores result and different decisions
made regarding intervention. If test scores are not precise measurements then
the test cannot be accurate.
The most common reliability statistic is coefficient alpha. This statistic gives
inter-item reliability as well as scale reliability. Here we have consistency
of each test item in relation to respondents’ scores. Coefficient alpha varies
from 0 for random responding or no reliability to 1 for perfect reliability.
Reliability coefficients of .75 are generally accepted for test reliability and
coefficients above .85 are considered very reliable.
Research
Research support is discussed in the About Risk & Needs webpage, and the
Frequently Asked Questions webpage. Each tests reliability and validity
is discussed on their test webpage. Test related research is also
summarized on the
Annual Summary Report webpage.
Response Set
When a respondent manifests a fixed pattern of answering test items (e.g.,
answers all true or all false) the pattern is called a "response set." In
Germany this was called "Einstelung" or "set."
Recidivism
This term is usually associated with re-offending, i.e., a future arrest for a
similar offense.
Recidivism Prediction
The determination of the likelihood that an offender will commit a similar
offense in the future. This prediction is possible with multidimensional tests.
A statistical method for recidivism prediction is Multiple Regression Analysis.
The variable to be predicted, such as, DUI arrests, is the dependent variable
and the other variables included in the test data are predictor variables.
Predictor variables include demographics, court history and test scale scores.
Multidimensional tests that contain these predictor variables make recidivism
prediction possible.
Referral
Please feel free to invite a co-worker or colleague to visit Risk & Needs
Assessment, Inc. website www.riskandneeds.com.
The
Website Recommendations webpage is an easy way to refer Risk &
Needs website to your co-workers and colleagues. Simply type in the
e-mail address of the person you want to introduce to this website and click on
the submit button.
Risk & Needs
Risk & Needs is the acronym for Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc.
which is an automated (computer scored) testing company that emphasizes court,
probation, corrections and parole tests. It is a sister corporation to
Behavior Data Systems. On the
Frequently Asked Questions webpage, item #2 explains how Behavior Data
Systems, Ltd. and Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. differ. This
Risk & Needs website address is www.riskandneeds.com.
Risk Ranges
Risk Ranges are used in Risk & Needs tests (Low Risk 0-39%; Medium Risk
40-69%; Problem Risk 70-89% and Severe Risk 90-100%) are discussed in the
Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
S
SAI-c
The Self-Assessment Index (SAI) is designed to screen welfare recipients in
welfare-to-work programs. However, some employment programs want to use
the SAI, but want to replace terms like "welfare recipient" or
"welfare-to-work" with words like "client," "individual," "person" and
"program." Consequently, the second version of the SAI was developed and is
called the SAI-c. The lower case "c" refers to the word "client."
The SAI-c Example Report link
will take you to the SAI-c report.
SAQ-Adult Probation III
This is an adult probation test. It has been used to evaluate defendants in
court-related setting, probationers and even some patients. This test is
appropriate for both misdemeanor and felony offenders. The SAQ-Adult
Probation III is listed on the Tests
Alphabetically Listed and Tests
Functionally Grouped webpages.
Scale Interpretation
All Risk & Needs tests are subject to several "levels" of scale
interpretation, ranging from viewing scale scores as a self-report to
interpreting scale elevations and interrelationships. Scale interpretation is
discussed with many Risk & Needs tests such as Driver Risk Inventory-II,
ACDI-Corrections Version II and the SAQ-Adult Probation III. Scale
interpretation applies to all Risk & Needs tests.
Scorer Reliability
Usually used with regard to inter-interviewer reliability. Due to questions and
concerns regarding interviewer subjectivity, inter-interviewer reliability has
been lacking. Sometimes this term may be used to refer to assessor or evaluator
reliability. In these cases the tests reliability, validity and accuracy
statistics would be reviewed.
Screening
Psychological tests are standardized instruments (test, assessment, screening,
inventory, examination, evaluation, etc.) used to measure mental abilities,
attitudes, motives and behavior. Contemporary self-report tests are
objective instruments with demonstrated reliability, validity and
accuracy. They should be normed or standardized on the population of
clients the test will be used to evaluate. Screening tests are preliminary
tests to determine the need for additional assessment, counseling or treatment.
Scroll Article
Scroll Articles are short vignettes, narratives and clarification pieces that
are written in an article style, i.e., title and discussion. Scroll
Articles can be found at the beginning of most webpages in a scroll box.
Click the
Scroll Articles link if you would like to review a link list of all
scroll articles.
Semi-Structured Interview
To create the illusion that a subjective interview is more objective some
interviews are designated semi-structured. This is a misnomer because
interviews are not objective procedures. Even when interviewers are “trained”
their education, experience, motivation and personalities are still different.
Consequently even “semi-structured” interviews are still subjective procedures.
Severe Problem
Severe problems are identified by scale scores at or above the 90th percentile.
Severe problems represent the highest eleven (11%) percent of clients
evaluated. When a client’s scale score is in the 90th to 100th percentile range
that person has severe problems focused on the scales area of inquiry.
Sitemap
The sitemap is a navigational tool that helps visitors quickly locate the
information they want. Click on the Sitemap link
in the left margin of all webpages. The sitemap is also discussed on the
Unique Features page, item #19.
Spam
In Internet lingo “spam” refers to wide distribution of an e-mail message. This
e-mail is unsolicited. Some companies that have products to sell use Internet
e-mail to promote and sell their products. Most of us can relate to the
frustration and helpless feeling of having dozens of unanswered e-mails in our
mailbox and the fantasy of pressing some guilt free “delete all” button thereby
eviscerating in one stroke these invasive, demanding, unseemly and often vulgar
e-mails. Should you provide Risk & Needs Assessment with your e-mail
address you can be assured it will not be given to other companies or
sold. Risk & Needs will only send test-related information to test
users via their e-mail. And this should only occur a few times a year.
SPSS
A statistical package that is purchased by many universities for statistical
analysis.
Staff Training
Staff training on Risk & Needs automated assessment instruments or tests is
discussed in the Unique Features webpage. Risk & Needs Assessment
staff will participate in on-site training when more than 35 participants are
involved. And free test-related training is offered on Fridays at Risk
& Needs Assessment offices on a first scheduled basis. A minimum of
10 working days notice is required to schedule this training.
Standardized Test
An examination whose validity and reliability have been established by
application and analysis using representative samples and sufficient number of
cases. Tests that are standardized on a certain population are accurate for
that population. A test that is designed and standardized on one client or
offender population, for example, DUI offenders, likely is not accurate for
another client or offender population, such as sex offenders. Many thousands of
test administrations are required for test standardization. Interviews are not
tests.
Standardization
In statistics and psychometrics the term “standardization” refers to the process
by which a test is normed. A standardization study is carried out on a
representative sample to norm test scores for the population the test was meant
to evaluate.
Stress
If excessive or prolonged, stress may overtax an organisms resources and lead to
a breakdown. Stress is a state of physical and/or psychological strain.
Everybody experience's some stress in their lives. Risk & Needs
approaches stress in terms of how well the client, patient or offender copes
with stress.
Stress Coping Abilities
In the same stress situation one person may be overwhelmed and another person
may function well. How well a person handles or copes with stress determines if
the stress is problematic.
Stress Test
From a psychometric perspective, this is usually a test designed to determine
how much stress (pressure, frustration, conflicts and other stressors like
anxiety, sorrow or pain) a person is experiencing. The definition of dysphoria
helps clarify mixed symptomatology that can exist in a distressed state. For
example, a dysphoric mood is an unpleasant feeling state that is characterized
by depression, anxiety and restlessness. People react to stress differently.
Some people handle stress well; whereas, others are overwhelmed by it. Stress
coping abilities refers to how well a person is coping with the stress they are
experiencing in their life.
Structured Interview
An interview based on a predetermined set of questions or topics. However, in
most interviews the interviewer must repeat, paraphrase and probe for answers.
And interviewer training, experience and motivation vary. In these cases the
interview is subjective, not objective.
Summary Reports
Annual testing program reports are provided to states, departments and high
volume agencies -- at no additional cost. These reports are provided as a
professional courtesy. An Annual Summary Report link takes you to
an example report. These reports are also discussed on the
Unique Features webpage, item #15.
T
T-test
Statistical comparison of mean (average) scores between two groups. For example,
comparison of Alcohol Scale scores between males and females often shows that
male’s score significantly higher on this scale than do females.
Technical Assistance Webpage
Testing
Psychological tests are standardized instruments (test, assessment, screening,
inventory, examination, evaluation, etc.) used to measure mental abilities,
attitudes, motives and behavior. Contemporary self-report tests are
objective instruments with demonstrated reliability, validity and
accuracy. They should be normed or standardized on the population of
clients the test will be used to evaluate.
Test Orders
Refers to a test evaluator ordering Risk & Needs tests. Interested parties
are referred to two links: 1. Established Risk & Needs clients or test user
are directed to How To Order A Test link. 2. New clients
or people placing the first test order should click on the New Client Orders link.
Training Manual
The manual (sometimes supplemental with a technical handbook) is the principle
source of information about the technical quality of a test. The manual
provides detailed explanations as to how the test works, e.g., administration,
scoring procedures and relevant research findings.
Tests Alphabetically Listed Webpage
All Risk & Needs tests are listed alphabetically by name along with a brief
description of each test’s purpose (applications). The annotated test
description style helps visitors zero in on the tests that will meet their
needs. Sometimes, visitors begin with the Tests Functionally Grouped webpage
and then use the Tests Alphabetically Listed webpage when they are interested
in particular tests. Click on the Tests
Alphabetically Listed link on the left side of each webpage.
Tests Functionally Grouped Webpage
Risk & Needs tests are designed for specific client groups and specific
assessment purposes. This allows test categorization under adult and juvenile
tests as well as test purpose. This webpage is recommended to people that are
searching for a test that will meet their needs. All Risk & Needs tests are
represented in this test categorization. Click on the
Tests Functionally Grouped link on the left side of each webpage.
Treatment Intervention Inventory (TII)
The TII is an intake and referral test. The TII identifies people that will
benefit from counseling, psychotherapy and/or substance (alcohol and other
drugs) abuse treatment. The TII is an adult assessment instrument, whereas the
TII-Juvenile is appropriate for troubled youth. Both the TII and
TII-Juvenile are listed on the Tests
Alphabetically Grouped and Tests
Functionally Grouped webpages.
Truth-Corrected Scores
Scale raw scores are converted into Truth-Corrected scores through the use of
mathematical relationships between the Truthfulness Scale scores and other
scale scores. The higher the Truthfulness Scale score the more truth correction
is applied. If a person is not being honest their raw scores cannot be
accurate. However, there reaches a point where the Truthfulness Scale is beyond
what can be used for truth correction and the respondent has invalidated their
test results. Truth-Corrected scores are discussed in the About Risk
& Needs webpage and the Unique Features webpage.
Truthfulness Scale
The etiology of the Truthfulness Scale can be traced back to the 1943 version of
the Minnesota Multphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L, F and K scales.
Truthfulness Scales determine how truthful the respondent was while completing
the test. All Risk & Needs tests have a truthfulness Scale in
them. Truthfulness Scales are discussed in the About Risk &
Needs webpage and the Unique Features webpage.
U
Unique Features Webpage
Approximately 20 unique Risk & Needs features are listed and discussed. For
Risk & Needs, understanding the Unique Features webpage is a must read.
Anybody that is interested in Risk & Needs tests is encouraged to read the
Unique Features webpage. Click on the Unique
Features link on the left side of each webpage.
V
Valid
That which is true, correct and proper. A test that measures what is was
designed to measure. There are many statistical tests that can be used to
determine if a test is valid. Test validity is an empirical question that must
be answered statistically.
Validation
This is the empirical and statistical process of demonstrating that a test
measures what it is purported to measure. A popular for of test
validation is called "concurrent validity." Concurrent validity involves
determining the relationship (or correlation) between a test that
reportedly measures the same thing as the test being validated. Validity
is a very important quality of a test.
Validity
The most important quality that affects the value of a test is its validity.
Does the test measure what its development purports it to measure? In
statistics and testing, validity is the ability of a test to measure what it is
supposed to measure. The validity of an assessment test can be answered through
the correlation of the test and its criterion.
A test can be reliable without being valid. Reliability does not imply anything
about validity. Validity must be empirically established. But high validity
implies high reliability. A test cannot be valid without being reliable.
Violence Pattern Recognition
Many experts say there are ways to predict and perhaps prevent many violent
juvenile crimes. The message is clear. Most acts of extreme juvenile violence
can be headed off by recognizing cues given off by extremely troubled youth.
Accurate violence pattern recognition, as defined here, can be attained by
combining a Risk & Needs juvenile test with the Juvenile Violence
Interview. Both juvenile tests and the Juvenile Violence Interview are listed
on the Tests Alphabetically Listed
and Tests Functionally Grouped
webpages.
W
Who uses these tests?
Who can use Risk & Needs tests is discussed in the Frequently Asked
Questions webpage. A wide variety of staff uses evaluation, screening and
assessment tests. Users include but aren't limited to, counselors, school
personnel, DUI/DWI providers, probation officers, private practitioners, parole
officers, juvenile and adult courts, diversion programs, EPA's, HMO's,
treatment program staff, and other professionals.
Webpage
In the Internet the term “webpage” means the individual sections, units or pages
within a website. Webpages are visited by clicking on website links. Each time
you visit a webpage the browser keeps a record of it. You can return to a
previously visited webpage by clicking on the browser’s “Back” button.
Website
In the Internet the term “website” means the Internet address that belongs to a
company, individual party or other entity that is responsible for the contents
of the website. Websites can be made up of one or many webpages.
Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. website address is
www.riskandneeds.com.
Behavior Data Systems, Ltd. website address is www.bdsltd.com.
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