Tests Used in Psychology

Psychologists and psychiatrists treat mental illness differently--the former behaviorally, and the latter medically. However, both types of doctors are licensed to administer psychological tests. Psychological testing provides information about many aspects of a person. Doctors use results from these tests, in conjunction with a patient's self-reported symptoms, to help them identify and address areas of concern. Only those licensed to administer these tests can purchase them. Duplication of tests is prohibited by law, since the tests are copyrighted.

Intelligence Tests

• What intelligence tests specifically measure varies among experts in the field, who define intelligence in many different ways. However, most agree that intelligence involves the capacity to learn from experience and adapt to one's environment. Probably the most popular intelligence test is the Stanford-Binet. A professional can administer the Stanford-Binet to someone as young as age 2. It consists of a multitude of categories including but not limited to puzzles, comprehension, mathematical ability and memory. The overall score received is referred to as an IQ, or intelligence quotient.

Projective Tests

• Projective tests such as the Rorshach and the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) measure a person's personality. The underlying notion is that individuals project their own feelings and thoughts when interpreting the world around them. The Rorshach test consists of 10 inkblots of ambiguous shapes. Subjects are asked to describe what they see. Similarly, the TAT requires examinees to view 30 pictures of one or more people engaging in activities and concoct a story. The story must detail what is happening in the picture, as well as before and after.

Self-Reports

• Self-report inventories are considered to be more objective and structured, as opposed to projective tests. As such, results from these tests generally are more reliable and valid. The most widely used self-report inventory to assess personality is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). The MMPI was created in 1943 and revised in 1989. It consists of 567 true or false questions and covers a wide range of factors such as health, work, family, depression, anxiety, anger, substance abuse and self-esteem.

Mental Status Exam

• The Mental Status Exam (MSE) is a measure of overall psychological health, similar to a physical exam. Professionals use it to assess a patient's ability to function. It focuses on such things as appearance, speech, thoughts, memory, feelings, judgement and orientation to one's surroundings. The Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) is the most popular of these types of exams. It is a brief screening test that takes five to 10 minutes to administer and consists of 30 items. The MMSE is most often used to screen elderly patients for dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Career Testing

• Career tests help to identify values and interests of those entering the job market or looking to change industries. Two popular career tests are the Strong Interest Inventory (SII) and the Self-Directed Search (SDS). The SII measures likes, dislikes and preferences of an individual to determine the type of industry best suited for them. The SDS is a brief test that can be self-scored in less than an hour. You answer the questions by choosing either "like" or "dislike" for some items and "yes" or "no" for others. It focuses on your interests, activities and competencies to determine the type of work environment that is most comparable to you.