This module provides a postgraduate-level foundational course in Psychometrics, also known as 'test theory' or 'theory of psychological tests and measurements'. It is intended primarily for students of psychology and any other field of social science where test are constructed or used, but also for students with a mathematics/statistics background interested in psychometric testing. The module introduces students to the main quantitative concepts, methods, and computational techniques needed for the informed use, development, evaluation, and application of tests in the behavioural/social sciences, including educational tests. The course begins with describing fundamental properties and levels of measurement, and some models and methods for 'scaling' an attribute. Fundamental concepts of Classical Test Theory such as 'true score' and 'error of measurement' are considered, and key techniques needed for evaluating reliability and validity of test scores are studied. Factor analysis is studied in depth as a fundamental technique to evaluate the number and structure of attributes the test measures. Factor analytic methods are extended to binary and ordinal test items, and Item Response Theory methods are introduced including Rasch scaling. With these foundations, psychometric applications from various fields of behavioural studies are considered, and it is demonstrated how the choice of scaling method can have implications for substantive conclusions.
Total contact hours: 30
Total private study hours: 70
Total module study hours: 100
Compulsory to:
MSc Organisational and Business Psychology
MSc Cognitive Psychology/Neuropsychology
MSc Developmental Psychology
MSc Forensic Psychology
MSc Political Psychology
MSc Social Psychology
Also compulsory on Psychology Postgraduate Research Courses.
Also available as an elective module.
Theory Online Test 20%
Computing Online Test 1 20%
Group Based Practical Report 60%
Reassessment methods:
100% examination
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
1. Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the scientific basis for scaling psychological attributes; and evaluate the appropriateness of scaling methods for various types of psychological observations;
2. Demonstrate a practical understanding of the techniques for inferring measurement on psychological constructs (latent variables) from observed data of different types; and evaluate reliability and validity of such inferences;
3. Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of measurement by modelling, and the principles of fitting factor analysis models to observed data;
4. Use appropriate statistical software to conduct analyses and to specify and test statistical models taught in the course;
5. Interpret and critically evaluate results of statistical analyses and outputs of statistical software; make inferences from the results in applied settings;
6. Understand and critically evaluate methods used and results of psychometric analyses reported in the applied psychological literature.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
1. Appreciate theoretical positions and controversies related to psychological measurement;
2. Demonstrate an appreciation of the diverse applications of psychometrics and its relevance to the student's field of study or interest, and behavioural/social sciences more broadly;
3. Acquire or improve competence in the use of statistical software to manage and code data, and to conduct psychometric analyses for a range of applications.
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