Psychological Testing Article Analysis Essay Example for Free

mental Testing Article Analysis probePsychological interrogation is a tool to properly assess behaviors and characteristics of individuals. Results of mental straining are very much presented through statistical tables that allow evaluation and comparison of the different variables screen outed against set norms. This paper willing review an article lifted from the Health Psychology journal and de bournine the appropriateness of the psychological foot raceing instruments employ in the charter. For this purpose, the article chosen is Evolution of Biopsychosocial Model Prospects and Challenges for Health Psychology written by Jerry Suls and Alex Rothman in 2004. Article Summary The Biopsychosocial Model has enabled health psychologists in the search for a multi-level, multi-system approach to valet de chambre functioning (Suls Rothman, 2004). This idea is based on the premise that there is an intrinsic relationship between what is physical, psychological and social. H owever according to the investigate of Suls and Rothman, there are marked challenges that the sham faces that have necessityly keep the progress of its well(p) potential as a research, intervention and practice tool.The articles supreme goal was to determine what can be done to ensure the continuous refinement and evolution of the biopsychosocial model (Suls Rothman, 2004). As a means to determine the viability of the biopsychosocial model as a multi-faceted instrument to help explain an individuals health psychological science, Suls and Rothman resorted to the use of statistical tests in psychology. By conducting oftenness tests and positionor comp dyingium, the squad of Suls and Rothman came up with a list of recommendations in the models areas of research, training, policy and funding, and practice.These recommendations are to further manipulation of the links between biological, psychological, social, and rase macro-cultural variables, with the ultimate aim of enha ncing health (2004). Through the tests five issues were also identify to be crucial in the progress of the biopsychosocial model as a legitimate approach to health assessment. The article concluded by highlighting the various advancements in health psychology, particularly with the biopsychosocial model. However, Suls and Rothman stressed that the full potential of the model in terms of the ability to advance the theory and practice remain untapped (2004).Only a strong commitment to the model and it implications would establish long-term success of its involvement in health psychology (Suls Rothman, 2004). Psychological Testing Instruments Used The article of Suls and Rothman did not explicitly discuss the test they apply to assess the biopsychosocial model. In spite of this, it can be deduced from the tables they presented and the discussion of their findings that they relied on statistical tests in psychology in data-gathering.Statistical tests are commonly use to analyze result s of a psychological research (Green DOliveria, 1982). In fact many social sciences, particularly psychology, necessitate the use of statistical demonstration to explain findings (Meehl, 1967). In this particular article where the bulk of the fact-finding are based on compeer research, both statistical tests in psychology were use. Suls and Rothman conducted oftenness tests two times in their research study. frequency tests are the most helpful tool when comparing data against each other (Lane, 2004).Through frequency tests, marked differences in in certified variables are clearly distinguished. To measure the progression of the biopsychosocial model as a accepted concept in health psychology, Suls and Rothman conducted a frequency test on the use of the term biopsychosocial in journals and articles of Medline from 1974 to 2001, totals of which were group into a 3-year period interval (2004). Suls and Rothman likewise applied a frequency test to measure the integration of behav ioral approaches to medical science in the study (2004).They reviewed articles in 4 major(ip) medical journals namely New England Journal of music, Lancet, Journal of the American Medical Association, and the Annals of Internal Medicine between the age of 1974 and 2001 (Suls and Rothman, 2004). Once again, they grouped the results into 3-year period intervals. From the raw frequency scores collected, they were able to contrive grow a frequency polygon. A frequency polygon is the best way to present data garner from frequency tests because it shows the shape of distribution of measured variables (Lane, 2004).Apart from frequency tests, Suls and Rothman also used factor analysis test. Factor analysis is one of the most commonly used statistical tests in various disciplines. It is used to determine patterns of relationships between variables (Gorsuch, 1983). In the area of psychology, factor analysis is commonly applied in word of honor research but it can also be used in other a reas, like personality, behavior, belief, and even theory assessment. In this instance, factor analysis was used to assess the attitude of health psychologists towards the biopsychosocial model.The biopsychosocial model is dependent on the interaction between the biological, psychological, and social factors within an individual (Suls and Rothman, 2004). Suls and Rothman theorized that health psychologists are more presumable to focus heavily on the psychological factor alone in the biopsychosocial model (2004). Therefore they used factor analysis to measure the presence of all the factors in articles written within a 12-month period, November 2001-September 2002 in Health Psychology. This particular application is called confirmatory factor analysis.It is used when the concern is to determine the number of variables that adjust to a pre-determined theory set (Gorsuch, 1983). The value of this test is to assess the sensibleity of preconceived ideas. In the character of Suls and R othmans study, it is the leaning of health psychologists towards psychological factors to assess an individuals health. The article of Suls and Rothman did not make use of any standardized psychological interrogation instruments. The reason may be cod to the fact that it is a study aimed at determining the advancement of a framework of health assessment.However, they still merged valuable statistical test in psychology to explain clearly the findings they have gathered. Effectiveness of the Psychological Testing Instruments Used The main premise of Suls and Rothmans article is that the biopsychosocial model has upholdn remarkably productive in shaping the way health psychologists view an individuals overall functioning (Suls and Rothman, 2004). To prove this point, the team proceeded to measure the familiarity of the concept among health psychologists by reviewing published journals in Medline, and four other famed medical journals.The raw data collected was then subjected to different statistical tests commonly applied in the field of psychology. From there Suls and Rothman were able to formulate recommendations vital to the advancement of the biopsychosocial model as a valid instrument in health assessment. The effectiveness of psychological testing is based mainly on two factors, validity and dependability. Validity measures the soundness of a test against its set objectives. On the other hand reliability measures the accuracy of the test in terms of producing consistent results.To determine whether the result of psychological testing is effective, researchers usually turn to statistical tests. In this case where no standardized psychological testing instruments were used, the effectiveness of the study may be directly correlated with the quality of the results produced by the statistical tests used by Suls and Rothman. Suls and Rothman resorted to frequency test to explain their findings on the use of biopsychosocial as a term in medical journals. The test confirmed their initial assumption that the biopsychosocial model has helped in advancing health psychology in the give way 25 years.The frequency test showed a consistent rise in the use of biopsychosocial as a term in medical journals. However, Suls and Rothman are quick to stress that this may also be due to the increase of the number of articles published that deal with behavior in recent years (2004). They also used frequency test to assess the integration of behavioral approach to medical science (Suls Rothman, 2004). The results attested as well to the increased integration of behavioral approaches to medical science in the last 30 years (Suls Rothman, 2004).Finally a factor analysis test was conducted to determine the reliance of health psychologists on the variables essential to the biopsychosocial model. The factor analysis test clearly showed that health psychologists are still biased in considering psychological issues over biological, and even social. This correctly proved the initial postulation of Suls and Rothman. Considering that the statistical tests in psychology used in the research of Suls and Rothman ably supported their theory, it can be said that they were effective.However, since the study is mostly a review of journals it is not enough to completely determine the actual advancement of the biopsychosocial model as a tool for health assessment. George Schwartz in his book suggested that the biopsychosocial model faces a challenge with the use of empirical testing (1982). Empirical testing is a vital component to any psychological research. Another is that the model system a concept in research. It has yet to transcend from research to practice, then back to research (Keefe, Buffington, Studts Rumble, 2002). This is when the recommendations of Suls and Rothman constitute important.They were able to identify important areas that are tangible and measurable that will help in the handing over of the model from a mere concep tual framework to a fully working tool in health assessment. As a stand-alone article, Suls and Rothman presented a thorough exposition of their chosen subject. However, based on the criteria of the article review, it did not meet the standards required. The fundamental component needed in the review is psychological testing in which the article did not have. On the other hand, the statistical tests were very helpful in misgiving the basis of Suls and Rothmans conclusion.Considering the statistical tests were properly chosen and used, it can be concluded that in the end the article of Suls and Rothman was a success. References Gorsuch, R. (1983). Factor analysis. Hillsdale, NJ Erlbaum Green, J. DOliveria, M. (1982). Learning to use statistical tests in psychology 3rd edition. NY Open University. Keefe, F. , Buffington, A. , Studts, J. , Rumble, M. (2002). Behavioral medicine 2002 and beyond. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 852-856. Lane, D. (2004, Augus 10). Fr equency polygons. Connections. Retrieved August 25, 2010,