Chapter 3.

Assessment and Classification of Abnormal Behavior

Read pages 70 - 97.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1.

Define the terms "classification" and "diagnosis." 

2.

Explain what is meant by the terms "reliability" and "validity" as they apply to diagnosis.

3.

Describe and identify the ways that diagnostic reliability and validity can be measured.

4.

Define assessment and explain the purpose of psychological assessment.

5.

Describe the major methods of assessment used in diagnosis and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

6.

List the types of psychological tests that are used in assessment. Explain what is assessed by each test, how the test is constructed, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of each test.

7.

Describe the purpose and contents of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). 

8.

Explain the multiaxial classification system used in the DSM-IV and state the information that is coded on each axis. 

9.

Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the current system of classification.

10.

Describe the role of "cross-cultural" considerations in classification and assessment.

Key Terms and Concepts

Classification

Diagnosis

Reliability in diagnosis

Interrater reliability

Retest reliability

Internal consistency reliability

Validity in diagnosis

Content validity

Criterion-related validity

Concurrent

Predictive

Construct

Content

Assessment methods

observations

under controlled conditions

naturalistic

interviews

clinical interviews (generally non-standardized)

standardized interviews

psychological tests and inventories

personality tests

projective tests

Rorschach (Inkblot) test- Exner scoring system

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

self-report inventories

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)

contrasted groups approach

validity scales

social desirability issues

Millon Multiaxial Clinical Inventory (MCMI)

Beck Depression Inventory

intelligence tests

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales (WAIS)

strengths and weaknesses of intelligence tests

tests for cognitive impairment (neuropsychological tests)

Bender-Gestalt Visual-Motor Test

Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery

Luria-Nebraska Battery

biological (neurological) assessment

computerized axial tomography (CT or CAT scan)

positron emission tomography (PET scan)

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

DSM - IV history

Multiaxial classification

Disadvantages of classification - consequences of labeling

Stigmatization

Stereotyping

Possibility of creating self-fulfilling prophecies

Advantages of classification

Ease of communication

Provides information for clinicians and researchers

May direct our attention to important features that patients in a category share

Cross-cultural issues in classification, diagnosis, and assessment

Latinas/Latinos

Native Americans

African-Americans