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ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING

Introduction

Psychological assessment encompasses multiple sources of data generated from one

or more assessment methods, such as psychological tests; behavioural observation;
structured, semi-structured and clinical interviews; questionnaires; rating scales; checklists;
behavioural simulations or games; and other structured and evidence-based approaches to
gathering information about clients. These Guidelines inform psychologists about key ethical
considerations when conducting psychological assessments, and because many psychological
tests can be accessed and administered via the internet, these Guidelines also address the
ethical issues relevant to that context.

Psychologists undertake psychological assessment for varying purposes including

diagnosis; treatment; planning and intervention; monitoring effectiveness of interventions;
vocational suitability; organisational functioning; and forensic and legal purposes.

Ethical codes for psychologists have been developed by at least 71 national

psychological associations across the globe (Leach & Harbin, 1997). In addition, numerous
other professional organisations have ethical codes relevant to career assessment practice
(e.g., National Career Development Association – NCDA, International Association for
Educational and Vocational Guidance – IAEVG) and standards for the use of tests and
assessments in career counselling.

In many countries, national professional organisations have their own code of ethics
that address issues of competent assessment practice, test construction, and use. They
describe a common set of principles and standards upon which practitioners can build their
professional and scientific work. These codes inform professional communities and societies
about responsible assessment practices. They typically have as their goal the welfare and
protection of the individuals and groups with whom practitioners work, as well as the
education of the public regarding the ethical standards of the discipline. The primary intent of
ethical codes is to encourage ethical thinking and decision-making, rather than rule following
(Pack-Brown & Williams, 2003). Ethical codes have two major purposes, reflected in ethical
principles and ethical standards. The purpose of ethical principles is to promote optimal
behaviour by providing inspirational principles that encourage reflection and decision-
making within a moral framework. The purpose of ethical standards is to regulate
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professional behaviour through monitoring, and through disciplinary action against those who
violate prescriptive and enforceable standards of conduct (Pettifor, 2004).

Competence

Psychologists ensure they have the necessary training and experience for the
psychological tests they administer. Psychologists are aware that revisions, updates, or
variations of tests with which they are already skilled and knowledgeable still require self-
evaluation and adequate preparation. Psychologists understand that tests with which they are
unfamiliar, particularly those with complex scoring, analysis, and interpretative systems,
require training and supervision. Psychologists comply with the test publisher’s training and
accreditation requirements.

Psychologists are mindful of the possibility that clients’ previous and current
experiences may affect their readiness to be assessed. Psychologists collect and use only the
information about a client that is relevant to the assessment and the psychological service
provided at that time. For example, it may not be appropriate to obtain demographic data
such as age in some aspects of occupational testing. Psychologists are aware that a client’s
test performance can be affected by factors such as disability, language or cultural
background, or other physical or mental conditions (e.g., intoxication or drug use, side effects
of medication on judgement or concentration, temporary illness).

When interpreting assessment results psychologists take account of all relevant data,
and acknowledge all sources of data that they have utilised when compiling reports.
Psychologists are fully responsible for the interpretation of test results and the preparation of
psychological reports. Psychologists are meticulous about word use in their reports. For
example, they clearly differentiate between statements of fact (e.g., a score on a test) and
their interpretation of facts or observation. Psychologists recognise the possible harm to the
client of providing individual test scores without any supporting or contextual information.
When psychologists become aware of personal problems that may interfere with their
performing work-related duties adequately, they take appropriate measures, such as obtaining
professional consultation or assistance, and determine whether they should limit, suspend, or
terminate their work-related duties.

Rights of Test-Takers (APA)

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• Be treated with courtesy, respect, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, national
origin, religion, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics.

• Be tested with measures that meet professional standards and that are appropriate.

• Receive a brief explanation prior to testing about the purpose(s) for testing, the kind(s) of
tests to be used.

• Individual’s freedom to decline, and freedom to withdraw, is respected. • Have test

administered and your test results interpreted by trained individuals who follow professional
codes of ethics.

Informed Consent

Elements of Informed Consent Agreements

–Must be presented in a clear and understandable manner

–Reason for the test administration.

–Tests and evaluations procedures to be used.

–How assessment scores will be used.

–Who will have access to the results.

–Present rights of test taker e.g. to refuse.

Sometimes, underage children, young people and some adult clients are unable to give
voluntary informed consent to participate in psychological assessment and testing, written
informed consent must be obtained from the parents, guardian.

Confidentiality

Psychologists have a primary obligation and take reasonable precautions to protect

confidential information obtained through or stored in any medium, recognizing that the extent and
limits of confidentiality may be regulated by law or established by institutional rules or professional
or scientific relationship. Test results are confidential information. Release of results should
only be made to another qualified professional after client’s consent. When conducting
psychological assessments, psychologists are responsible for informing clients about the
limits to confidentiality. An important part of clients’ informed consent is written consent for
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the release of test results to named parties, where applicable. Psychologists protect the
confidentiality of client data by sharing only that information which is essential to the
effectiveness of the psychological service.

Before recording the voices or images of individuals to whom they provide services,
psychologists obtain permission from all such persons or their legal representatives.
Psychologists may disclose confidential information with the appropriate consent of the
organizational client, the individual client/patient, or another legally authorized person on
behalf of the client/patient unless prohibited by law. Psychologists disclose confidential
information without the consent of the individual only as mandated by law, or where
permitted by law for a valid purpose such as to (1) provide needed professional services; (2)
obtain appropriate professional consultations; (3) protect the client/patient, psychologist, or
others from harm; or (4) obtain payment for services from a client/patient, in which instance
disclosure is limited to the minimum that is necessary to achieve the purpose.

Justice/Fairness in Testing

Psychologists undertake psychological assessment in diverse settings and are aware

that clients’ language and cultural background are important factors influencing the
assessment. This awareness may affect psychologists’: a) choice of assessment methods; b)
interpretation of results; c) compilation of their reports; and d) communication to their clients
and third parties regarding the assessment. When psychologists conduct assessments of
cognitive functioning for culturally and linguistically diverse clients, psychologists adapt
their assessment processes to ensure that they obtain the most accurate results. Psychologists
take steps to support the performance of clients with physical, intellectual, learning or other
disabilities without compromising the fundamental purpose of the test. Where appropriate,
psychologists make provision for the use of aids to support those with physical, visual or
hearing problems that do not affect the construct being measured by the test.

When obtaining informed consent for a psychological assessment and explaining the
limits to confidentiality, psychologists are aware that some clients from culturally and
linguistically diverse backgrounds may not understand or be familiar with these concepts.
Where necessary, psychologists seek the assistance of a suitable professional who can help
explain these concepts. Psychologists do not proceed until they are confident that the client
fully understands the limits to confidentiality and consents to participate
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Communication of psychological assessment results

Psychologists are aware that clients may request feedback on the results of
psychological assessments they have completed. Psychologists provide such feedback as
appropriate. Psychologists, with consideration of legislative exceptions and their
organisational requirements, do not refuse any reasonable request from clients, or former
clients, to access client information, for which the psychologists have professional
responsibility. Psychologists communicate the results of psychological assessments and tests
only to those identified with the informed consent of the client, or those with legal
responsibility for the client. When giving feedback and discussing the results of
psychological assessments with their clients; psychologists convey respect and communicate
in clear language. Psychologists explain the meaning of the results so that clients, and those
with legal responsibility for them, understand their scope and limitations. Psychologists are
aware of the potential for clients’ adverse reactions to unfavourable results. Psychologists
manage the feedback process with the client’s wellbeing in mind.

Security of psychological assessment data and records

When psychologists purchase tests, they take responsibility for the use of the tests,
which may include use by supervisees or students who are being trained in testing. Test
materials must be kept secure. Test items are not revealed except in training programs and
when mandated by law, to protect test integrity. Test items are private property. Psychologists
oversee and take reasonable steps for the security of psychological assessment data and
records. In organisational settings or when working under contract, psychologists seek
information about the processes in place for securing psychological tests and assessment
records, and raise with the employer any non-compliance with the requirements of the Code.
The term test materials refer to manuals, instruments, protocols, and test questions or stimuli
and do not include test data. Psychologists make reasonable efforts to maintain the integrity
and security of test materials and other assessment techniques consistent with law and
contractual obligations, and in a manner that permits adherence to this Ethics Code.
Publication

After research results are published or become publicly available, psychologists make
the data on which their conclusions are based available to other competent professionals who
seek to verify the substantive claims through reanalysis, provided that: (a) the data will be
used only for the purpose stated in the approved research proposal; and (b) the identity of the
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participants is removed. Psychologists are aware that conducting psychological assessment in

research contexts is different from clinical settings. Psychologist researchers identify areas of
potential harm and put in place safeguards to protect the wellbeing of their participants.

Labelling

Once diagnosed, the disease can be labelled. For example, psychiatric labels can be
damaging. When diagnosing, use least stigmatizing label consistent with accurate
representation – It does not mean that counsellors should always use less or non-stigmatizing
diagnostic codes; a less stigmatizing code that is inaccurate could prevent the client from
receiving appropriate treatment.

Psychological tests are used in criminal justice. The popular lie detector, also known
as a polygraph, is an example of psychological testing where authorities try to detect lies
from suspected criminals. This raises the legal issue of the acceptability and validity of such
test and whether or not findings from such are admissible as evidence in court (Plante, 2005).
Questions are raised about the accuracy of the tests and there is always the fear that the tests
may give wrong results on an innocent individual.

Psychologists administer, adapt, score, interpret, or use assessment techniques,

interviews, tests, or instruments in a manner and for purposes that are appropriate in light of
the research on or evidence of the usefulness and proper application of the techniques.
Psychologists use assessment instruments whose validity and reliability have been established
for use with members of the population tested. When such validity or reliability has not been
established, psychologists describe the strengths and limitations of test results and
interpretation. Psychologists use assessment methods that are appropriate to an individual's
language preference and competence, unless the use of an alternative language is relevant to
the assessment issues. Psychologists who develop tests and other assessment techniques use
appropriate psychometric procedures and current scientific or professional knowledge for test
design, standardization, validation, reduction or elimination of bias, and recommendations for
use.
Conflicts between Ethics and Law, Regulations, or Other Governing Legal Authority
If psychologists’ ethical responsibilities conflict with law, regulations, or other
governing legal authority, psychologists clarify the nature of the conflict, make known their
commitment to the Ethics Code, and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict consistent
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with the General Principles and Ethical Standards of the Ethics Code. Under no
circumstances may this standard be used to justify or defend violating human rights.
Conflicts between Ethics and Organizational Demands
If the demands of an organization with which psychologists are affiliated or for whom
they are working are in conflict with this Ethics Code, psychologists clarify the nature of the
conflict, make known their commitment to the Ethics Code, and take reasonable steps to
resolve the conflict consistent with the General Principles and Ethical Standards of the Ethics
Code. Under no circumstances may this standard be used to justify or defend violating human
rights
Reporting Ethical Violations
If an apparent ethical violation has substantially harmed or is likely to substantially
harm a person or organization and is not appropriate for informal resolution or is not resolved
properly in that fashion, psychologists take further action appropriate to the situation. Such
action might include referral to state or national committees on professional ethics, to state
licensing boards, or to the appropriate institutional authorities. This standard does not apply
when an intervention would violate confidentiality rights or when psychologists have been
retained to review the work of another psychologist whose professional conduct is in
question.