Most people that use tests have questions about their design, use, statistics or the information they provide. Yet, many of us don’t know whom to turn to for answers. To help resolve many of these questions, Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. (Risk & Needs) provides answers to its most commonly asked questions. Although common queries, they don’t address the most fundamental or basic psychometric issue: How do you select a test that will meet your assessment needs?

Risk & Needs recommends you begin your search by first identifying the client population you will be testing. Then, inventory or list the things (such as attitudes, motivation, problems or behaviors) you want to know about people in that client group. For example, if you will be assessing DUI/DWI offenders, you would want to know about their truthfulness while being tested, their substance (alcohol and other drugs) use or abuse, their ability to handle stress and their driving abilities. In contrast, when assessing victims of physical or mental abuse, you would want to evaluate their distress, morale, self-esteem, resistance to help and their stress coping abilities. These areas of inquiry augment client truthfulness and substance use or abuse. It seems reasonable to want different information when assessing or screening different client groups. And, to obtain different information, you have to ask different questions.

When you find a test that provides the client-related information you want, you would then verify the test’s reliability, validity and accuracy. This is sometimes referred to as “doing your due diligence.” With regard to reliability, you would want to be sure you would get similar results upon retest. Reliability alpha coefficients of .80 and higher are desirable. Validity refers to a test measuring what it claims to measure. Comparisons of tests purporting to measure the same thing should be significant at the p<.01 or better. And, a test’s standardization (normative) data should demonstrate that test’s accuracy. This information is routinely provided by test publishers in their test manual. If this information is not provided upon request, you should have serious doubts about using that test.

When the test you are considering meets the above criteria, you should then consider practical matters associated with test administration time, reading level estimates and ease of use (easily followed directions). And, as noted earlier, areas of inquiry are important. Most test users prefer multiple scale assessment instruments. This is because many assessment issues are influenced by the client’s truthfulness, attitudes and substance use or abuse. As noted earlier, other areas of inquiry are dictated by the assessment's purpose. In some milieus, lethality, violence potential and antisocial thinking are important factors to assess. For example, in courts, probation departments, prisons, etc. In other assessment settings, self-esteem, suicidal ideation and a person’s adjustment represent important areas of inquiry. These settings include counseling and treatment programs.

Risk & Needs believes its tests meet and exceed all of the above criteria. To review Functionally Grouped Tests, click on the test link on the left side of this webpage. To review Alphabetically Listed Tests, click on the Risk & Needs test link on the left side of this webpage.

It should also be noted that Risk & Needs' psychologists and psychometrists are available, at  no obligation, to discuss your needs with you.  If interested in obtaining personal guidance and assistance, simply click on the link for question number 11, which is located at the beginning and end of this webpage.  Number 11 answers the question, Where can I get the answers to my test related questions?

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