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HOW DOES THE SYSTEM WORK? |
The physician metaphor helps put automated (computer scored) testing in perspective. Family physicians ask about patient symptoms. Then they may have their patients complete some tests, like blood tests, EKG’s, urine samples, X-Rays, MRI’s, etc. The physician then uses his education, experience and training to review the "lab work" and diagnoses the patient’s problems. In this analogy, the assessor might identify with the physician. And the screening or assessment test would be comparable to the medical tests or lab work cited earlier.
How does Risk & Needs testing system work? Risk & Needs have its test users sign an agreement. Then these test users can order 25 or 50 test diskettes (or CD’s) to administer, score, interpret and print 25 or 50 test reports. MS-DOS diskettes are self-contained and have the software for scoring answer sheets and printing reports on-site. Windows diskettes require a one-time setup (CD’s) procedure, after which 25 and 50 test data diskettes can be used. Test booklets and training manuals are provided free. Support services are available by telephone, fax, e-mail and letter.
Clients (test users) typically administer tests in paper-pencil format. However, on-screen test administration and human voice reading options are available in English and Spanish.
When all 25 or 50 test applications contained on a diskette are used, these diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs. Prior to returning a diskette the "delete names" option can be used to insure confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501). By depressing a few keys Risk & Needs proprietary software deletes all respondent (client) names, yet test data and demographics are retained for inclusion in that tests expanding database for subsequent research analysis. Ongoing database research insures quality control. And annual test program summary reports can be summarized from these databases.
For visitors interested in all phases of Risk & Needs testing system the following links in the left margin of each webpage are provided. Visitors often report special interest in the following links:
As always, additional information can be provided upon request. Risk & Needs telephone number is (602) 234-3506, its fax number is (602) 266-8227 and its e-mail address is hhl@riskandneeds.com.
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