Prospectus

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Psychometrics (IBP)

Course
2016-2017

Students of the Dutch bachelor’s programme, see Psychometrie

Entry requirements

Knowledge of the materials from the Methods and Statistics courses of the first year, with the additional requirement that participants should have completed at least one of these courses successfully (failing which they will not be allowed to register for this course and the examination).

Description

This course covers the following topics:

  • Introduction to psychometrics;

  • Scaling and standardisation;

  • Reliability;

  • Validity, factor structure and item analysis;

  • Item response theory;

  • Classification and predictive discriminant analysis;

  • Construction and revision of tests and questionnaires; and

  • Reporting on psychometric research.

Course objectives

  • Knowledge and understanding of the core concepts and principles of classical and modern test theory. Understanding of the psychometric aspects of tests and questionnaires, in particular reliability and validity. Knowledge of the theory and use of tests in such areas as educational and selection psychology;

  • Learning which methods and techniques are required to investigate the psychometric aspects of a test or questionnaire; and

  • Acquiring skills in dealing with statistical software for classical and modern test analysis, factor analysis and discriminant analysis.

Timetable

For the timetables of your lectures, workgroups, and exams, select your study programme.
Psychology timetables

Lectures
Work group sessions
Exams

Registration

Course

Students need to register for lectures, workgroups and exams.
Instructions for registration in courses for the 2nd and 3rd year of the IBP

For information on registration periods consult the bachelor course registration

Examination

Students are not automatically enrolled for an examination. They can register via uSis from 100 to 10 calendar days before the date; students who are not registered will not be permitted to take the examination.
Registering for exams

Mode of instruction

8 2-hour lectures,8 compulsory 1-hour computer practicals and 8 compulsory 2-hour work group sessions
During the lectures at the start of the week covering the most important concepts from that week’s materials. The lecture slides are included in the examination materials. Students prepare for the lectures by studying the relevant components of the textbook and workbook. The lectures focus primarily on objectives A and B. In the computer practicals, students practise psychometric data analysis in the form of assignments from the workbook. Comparative assignments are part of the Practical Skills Test. Students are required to bring a USB stick to the practicals (as was also customary in the M&S courses of the first year). The practicals contribute to the third course objective. Students prepare for the work group sessions by completing a number of assignments from the workbook which they hand in before the work group session. These assignments are discussed in the work group session. During the work group sessions students are given new assignments to complete on the spot. Students also give a minimum of one presentation on the results of the practical during the work group sessions. The work group sessions contribute to all learning objectives.

Assessment method

The final grade is determined by combining the results of the multiple-choice examination (60%) and the Practical Skills Test (40%, only valid in combination with sufficiently active participation in the compulsory practicals and work group sessions).

Regulation on grade calculation.

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has instituted that instructors use a software programme for the systematic detection of plagiarism in students’ written work. In case of fraud disciplinary actions will be taken. Please see the information concerning fraud.

Reading list

  • Furr, R.M. & Bacharach, V.R. (2014). Psychometrics: An introduction. Second Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. ISBN 9781452256801.

  • Workbook Psychometrics (additional texts and assignments). You can order this workbook via Readeronline.

  • See also Blackboard for additional texts.

Contact information

Peter de Heus
psychometrics@fsw.leidenuniv.nl