THREE WAYS TO ADMINISTER TESTS: These
automated (computer-scored) assessment instruments can be given in paper-pencil
format, directly on the computer screen, and by human voice reading of test
items and answers. Users should request human voice diskettes when they want to
use this test administration mode. Traditionally, the most common test
administration mode is with paper-pencil tests. All tests are available in
English and Spanish test booklet format. This procedure still involves entering
client answers into the computer for scoring and generation of reports. An
advantage of testing on the computer screen is speed. However, many agencies do
not want to tie-up a computer for test administration. Optical scanners involve
customized answer sheets for scanner scoring, which is faster than manual data
entry. This procedure combines paper-pencil testing with automated scoring.
And, it involves purchasing a high speed scanner. The major advantage of
automated (computerized) human voice reading of test items and answers is that
it overcomes many assessment problems associated with reading impairments and
cultural differences. Human voice reading can be in several languages. This
test administration mode requires a multimedia computer and earphones. By
offering three test administration options, you can select the mode or
administrative option that best meets your needs.
OVERCOMING
DEFENSIVENESS, DENIAL AND FAKING: Each Risk & Needs
Assessment, Inc. (Risk & Needs) test has a built-in Truthfulness Scale and
Truth-Corrected scores. The Truthfulness Scale is designed to detect
minimization and faking. And error variance associated with untruthfulness is
identified and applied to each scale score, resulting in Truth-Corrected
scores. Truth-Corrected scores have been shown to be more accurate than raw
scores. This procedure is similar to the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality
Inventory (MMPI) K-Scale correction methodology. Items #8 (Truthfulness
Measures) and #9 (Truth-Corrected Scores) are discussed below.
DELETE NAMES OPTION: Many people are
justifiably concerned about maintaining the confidentiality of client answers,
test data and reports. To ensure confidentiality, Risk & Needs diskettes
are equipped with an optional "delete names" procedure. Prior to returning used
diskettes to Risk & Needs, test users are encouraged to use this procedure
for erasing all respondent or client names. Demographics (such as age, gender,
ethnicity, education, etc.) and test data are retained for ongoing database
analysis, while client confidentiality is completely protected. This
proprietary delete names procedure involves depressing a few keyboard letters
and is discussed in each test's Orientation and Training Manual. This procedure
insures client confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45
C.F.R. 164.501).
HUMAN VOICE AUDIO:
Human voice audio is available in English and Spanish. This test presentation
procedure helps resolve many reading and cultural differences issues. A
person’s passive vocabulary is often greater than their active (spoken)
vocabulary. Having items read out loud helps reduce cultural and communication
problems. Human voice audio requires a computer, earphones and simple
instructions. This test presentation procedure could help in the testing of
clients, patients, defendants and offenders.
EXAMINATION KITS: Examination kits are
available to individuals that are interested in a test, but would like to
actually use that test and print out the report before deciding to use it in
their program. Examination kits contain a 1-test demonstration diskette, test
booklet, answer sheets and a training manual. Examination kits are free. All we
ask is that the test booklet and diskette be returned within 30 days of their
receipt. There is an Examination Kit Request link on the left side of all
webpages. To expedite your examination or demonstration kit request,
simply click on this link.
ACCURACY OF MANUAL DATA INPUT SCORING:
When tests are given in paper-pencil format, staff manually input their answers
for computer scoring. Risk & Needs utilizes a proprietary manual data input
verification procedure to help ensure accuracy. In brief, test data is input
twice. If any inconsistencies between the two data inputs of the same
test occur, they are highlighted until corrected. Moreover, the scoring
procedure will not advance until all inconsistencies are corrected. As
inconsistencies are corrected, highlighting disappears, and the scoring process
can continue. Accurate test data input is necessary for accurate evaluation.
This data input verification procedure is explained in each test's Orientation
and Training Manual.
BUILT-IN DATABASE:
The Risk & Needs proprietary built-in database procedure allows all
administered tests to be included in that test's database for subsequent
analysis. Risk & Needs test users sign an agreement and agree to return all
used, damaged or recalled diskettes for database analysis. Database analysis is
a cost effective way of ensuring ongoing research. Ongoing research enhances
quality control and assessment accuracy. Expanding databases also permit annual
test program summaries, which provide for program evaluation. Properly designed
databases allow ongoing research and program summaries to be efficient, timely
and cost effective. A built-in database is a very desirable test feature that
is incorporated in each Risk & Needs test.
TRUTHFULNESS MEASURE:
Each Risk & Needs assessment instrument or test contains a Truthfulness
Scale that determines how truthful the client was while completing the test.
This scale detects defensiveness and faking. It also identifies the reading
impaired. First year psychology students were detected with the Truthfulness
Scale when they were instructed to "lie but don’t get caught." Each test's
Truthfulness Scale is discussed in its Orientation and Training Manual.
TRUTH-CORRECTED SCORES:
The relationship between the Truthfulness Scale and all other scales contained
in each test has been determined and applied to each test's scale scores,
resulting in Truth-Corrected scores. Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate
than raw scores and reveal what the client is trying to hide. Truth corrections
are standardized on each test's database population. Truth-Corrected scores are
explained in each test's Orientation and Training Manual.
ACCURACY:
Demonstrated reliability, validity and accuracy provide a sound basis for
decision making. The Truthfulness Scale detects faking. And, Truth-Corrected
scores are more accurate than raw scores. When appropriate, court histories are
included in each test's scoring methodology, which makes for even more accurate
assessment. Test research is included in each test's webpage.
MORE THAN JUST ALCOHOL OR DRUG TESTS: In
addition to truthfulness, alcohol and drugs, each test includes other areas of
inquiry important to the type of client being evaluated. Consequently, Risk
& Needs tests include important behaviors overlooked by other tests.
All Risk & Needs tests contain a Truthfulness Scale, Alcohol
Scale and Drugs Scale. In addition, each of these tests includes other
important areas of inquiry. A few, from among many examples, were selected to
illustrate the need for multiple measures (scales) in self-report tests.
And, for conciseness, only one (from among several additional scales) is
presented.
|
POPULATION
TESTED |
ADDITIONAL
SCALE |
|
POPULATION
TESTED |
ADDITIONAL
SCALE |
|
DUI/DWI Offenders |
Driver Risk
|
Adult Probationers |
Violence
Antisocial
|
|
Adult Chemical Dependency |
Resistance
|
Juvenile Probation |
Distress
Violence
|
|
Juvenile Chemical Dependency |
Adjustment
|
Parolees |
Violence
Antisocial
|
|
Intake Screening |
Depression
|
Prison Inmates |
Violence
Self-Esteem
|
|
Treatment Outcome |
Self-Esteem
|
Domestic Violence |
Violence
Lethality
|
You may want to review the
Alphabetically Listed Tests to review other
important areas of inquiry (scales). As noted earlier, all Risk
& Needs tests have multiple measures or scales.
DIFFERENT TESTS FOR DIFFERENT EVALUATION SETTINGS:
Risk & Needs has different tests for different client populations and
different assessment purposes. It just makes sense. If you want different
information, you must ask different questions.
For clarification, comparison of test reports shows how different
test items and scales (measures) result in markedly different reports. With
regard to Risk & Needs tests, you might compare the
Driver Risk Inventory-II report with
the
Pre-Post Inventory report or the
Sexual Adjustment Inventory report.
Risk & Needs'
staff believes that different tests are designed for different evaluation
purposes and different client populations. Our staff maintains a strong
commitment to delivering highly individualized client assessment of the highest
accuracy and value, while furthering a state-of-the-art tradition in testing
and psychometric research. Reference Risk & Needs'
Alphabetically Listed Tests to corroborate these commitments.
AFFORDABLE:
Risk & Needs' proven research continues to deliver the highest quality in
assessment at remarkably competitive prices. Volume discounts are also
available. Test booklets, training manuals, ongoing research, annual reports
and support services are provided. We’re so sure you’ll like these tests that
we offer a 30-day money back guarantee. And, for visiting our website, you will
receive an additional product discount. At the time of your first order, inform
us of your website visit, and an additional twenty (20%) percent discount will
be applied to your first order. This additional product discount is not
retroactive and only applies to your first order. The Test Unit Fee (Cost) link in the left
margin of each webpage sets forth Risk & Needs' costs.
While computer efficient assessment instruments may initially
appear to carry higher price tags, in the long run they prove less expensive
than hand-scored tests that may appear to cost less. Risk & Needs provides
free test booklets, answer sheets (can be photocopied), Orientation and
Training Manuals, Computer Operating Guides, ongoing database research, annual
reports, upgrades and support services. And, if you qualify for a volume
discount, the price can be even lower.
With Risk & Needs, there are no hidden costs or obligations.
Now, you can improve your testing program cost efficiently. For all these
important features, one would expect to pay much more, but these tests are very
competitively priced.
|
RISK & NEEDS
TEST UNIT FEE (COST)
|
| To review Risk & Needs' costs, click on the
Test Unit Fee (Cost) link. |
We are opening the lines of communication. Our e-mail address is
hhl@riskandneeds.com. Our fax
number is (602) 266-8227. And, our telephone number is (602) 234-3506.
STAFF TRAINING: Free test-related on-site
training is available to state contracts and high volume users. Low volume
users sometimes join together for a combined training workshop. A rule of thumb
for on-site staff training, at least 35 people must attend. Risk & Needs
offers free training sessions at their offices in Phoenix, Arizona. These free
test-related staff training sessions are scheduled on Fridays. Interested
parties should call (602) 234-3506 for more information. Click on the
Staff Training link for more information.
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.
POWERPOINT TUTORIALS:
Risk & Needs offers PowerPoint tutorials on many of its tests. These
tutorials include a sequence of slides on Microsoft setup procedures, scoring
and printing reports and an explanation of how the test works. Tutorials are
available to Risk & Needs test users at a nominal cost. Tutorials have been
completed on the Driver Risk Inventory-II (DRI-II), Defendant Questionnaire
(DQ) and the Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI). We also anticipate developing
tutorials on other tests. Interested parties should contact Risk & Needs.
Our e-mail address is
hhl@riskandneeds.com. PowerPoint
tutorials enable test users to study, train and review tests in depth, at their
own computer and at their own speed. These tutorials also help train
diversified staff that may be spread out over large geographical areas.
E-MAIL SOLUTIONS:
We can help you sift through available (computer-scored) test options and
assist in determining a course of action that will be right for your testing
needs. We can clarify critical issues related to test selection, database
management, our test unit fees, our licensing process, and more. Don’t miss
this opportunity to compare tests of your choice in real-world application
settings. Our e-mail address is
hhl@riskandneeds.com.
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. For convenience, the
Technical Assistance link is located in the left margin of all Risk
& Needs webpages.
SITEMAP:
The sitemap is a navigational tool that helps visitors quickly locate the
information they want on Risk & Needs' website. It provides direct links to
Risk & Needs' tests, their example reports and related research. In brief,
the sitemap is an alternative method for locating particular webpages. To use
the sitemap, click on the
Sitemap link. Then, clicking on any sitemap webpage links will take you
directly to the webpage you selected. For convenience, a
Sitemap link is also located on the left of all Risk & Needs
webpages.
NEW TEST INTRODUCTION:
This is Risk & Needs' new test introduction webpage.
Risk & Needs introduces new tests via this webpage. Risk & Needs
anticipates introducing one or two new tests each year. This webpage gives test
users an opportunity to use these new tests for three months free. Risk
& Needs' newest test is introduced on this webpage. To go to this
test, click on the
New Test Introduction link. And, for convenience, the
New Test Introduction link is located in the left margin of each Risk
& Needs webpage.
How to Order Tests:
Established Risk & Needs clients or test users that have
a Risk & Needs account can order tests by letter, telephone
(602) 234-3506, fax
(602) 266-8227
or e-mail
hhl@riskandneeds.com. And, if desired, established clients can
click on the
How to Order Tests link to review the Test Order Form. New
clients or people placing their first order should click on the
New or First Client Orders link. However, if these instructions
don't meet your needs, then contact Risk & Needs by telephone
(602) 234-3506, fax (602) 266-8227 or
e-mail
hhl@riskandneeds.com.
SUMMARY:
Risk & Needs designs, manufactures and markets premium, innovative
self-report assessment instruments that are demonstrably superior to, and
different from, our competition. In the evaluation field, we offer an
unparalleled range of products and services. Risk & Needs' mission is to
lead the assessment and screening systems industries by delivering high
quality, cost-effective evaluation instruments and tests that exceed the
expectations of our customers.
Risk & Needs' goal is to launch new products on a solid
foundation of realistic expectations. To achieve this goal, we will introduce
new tests on our website. At that time, we will provide descriptive information
and an example report, and we will request volunteers for field testing new
tests. We will continue to encourage interactive feedback and research that
enhance assessment accuracy. E-mail us your interest in being kept informed
about our new assessment instruments or tests. Our e-mail address is
hhl@riskandneeds.com. Or you
can monitor Risk & Needs' introduction of new tests via the
New Test Introduction link which is located on the left side of all
webpages.
Risk & Needs offers a menu of computerized tests for specific
purposes and client populations. Each of these highly individualized assessment
instruments collects relevant information for the evaluation being conducted.
Concise, easy-to-read reports cover such vital subjects as truthfulness, client
situation, problem, risk, substance (alcohol and drug) abuse, and need. Reports
also include specific risk-related recommendations and strong accountability of
results.
Sometimes, looks are deceiving. At first glance, you might not
suspect that Risk & Needs tests contain these important and desirable
features. Our leading edge technology isn’t evident until it is used. Only then
do you become aware that it is really accurate, easy to use, helpful, and
economical. But why read about all this? When used, these ideas become
realities. To obtain a 1-test demonstration diskette of the test of your
choice click on the
Risk & Needs Examination Kit link.
Additional information can be provided upon request. Our
telephone number is (602) 234-3506, our fax (602) 266-8227 and our e-mail
address is
hhl@riskandneeds.com.
Demonstration diskettes containing two test applications can be provided in the
United States and Canada. All we ask is that these demonstration diskettes be
returned within 30 days of their receipt. This completes Risk & Needs'
Unique Features webpage. For easy reference, the following links will take you
to topics you may want to review.
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.
