Healthbeautyidea.com – Psychometrics Definition, and Why? Psychometrics are an important aspect of assessment, but for most people it remains a black box. However, a basic understanding is important for anyone working in the testing industry, especially with regard to the development of test instruments.
So psychometry can also be interpreted as a mathematical field related to statistical description of instrumental data as variables and with an inferential statistical description of relationships between variables.
Test scores are numbers, but not all number structures are meaningful representations of something about the test taker. Psychometry has various functions, including to know the advantages and weaknesses of individuals, help to support themselves, to diagnose, etc. Examples of psychometric tests such as talent tests, skills tests, personality tests, and others.
Psychometrics Definition
First, we must know that psychometry consists of a combination of the Greek word psyche meaning “breath” or “life”, and metron, meaning “measure” (in Latin pushke and metiri).
Simply put, the method of psychometry is a mathematical calculation, especially statistics, designed to be an ass and measurement of psychology. However, psychometry is not the same as statistics because both are identified with different disciplines.
The method of psychometry always applies measurements in mental processes, therefore, it is impossible not to be related to the science of psychology.
Psychometric method is a means used to overcome a measurement question in interpreting the score. In general, psychometry in quantitative theory describes how samples of cognitive or behavioral processes react according to various conditions.
Sir Francis Galton, the father of contemporary psychometry was the first figure to attempt to measure the physical, psychophysical and trait of mental processes. He was also the first person to find a way to measure various sensory abilities and mental capacities.
Galton defines “psychometry” as an art that deceives measurement and numbers in mental processes.
Psychometrics is a field of study related to the theory and techniques of educational measurement and psychological measurement, which includes measurements of knowledge, abilities, attitudes, and personality traits.
The field is primarily related to the development and validation of measurement instruments, such as questionnaires, tests, and personality assessments.
This involves two main research tasks, namely:
- The construction of instruments and procedures for measurement, and
- Development and improvement of theoretical approaches to measurement. Those who practice psychometrics are known as psychometricians and although they may also be clinical psychologists, they are not obligated so and instead can be (for example) human resources or learning and professional development. Either way specific, separate, qualifications in psychometry are required.
Psychometrics Definition according to experts
The definition of psychometric according to experts, among others, are as follows;
Galton (1879)
Psychometry is defined as “The art of imposing measurements and numbers on the operation of the mind”.
Peter Molenaar
Psychometric is an estimate of latent psychological processes through stochastic analysis at the individual and population level.
Denny Borsboom
Psychometrics is a discipline related to the construction of assessment tools, measurement instruments, and formal models that can serve to connect observable phenomena (e.g., Responses to items in IQ tests) with theoretical attributes (e.g., Intelligence).
APA Dictionary of Psychology
Definition of psychometry is a branch of psychology related to quantification and measurement of mental attributes, behavior, performance, and the like, as well as by the design, analysis, and improvement tests, questionnaires, and other instruments used in such measurements.
Psychometrics Definition according to Wikipedia
The meaning of psychometry or psychological measurement is a branch of psychological science that explores the ins and outs of measurement and analysis of various differences between individuals (individual differences), so it can be said that psychometric studies differences between individuals and between groups.
Why Psychometrics?
- Psychological measurement is a systematic procedure
- Psychological measurements are a ‘behavioral sample’
- Related to the need for ’empirical’ to ‘practical’ that can explain cognitive, affective, and interpersonal aspects
- The results of psychological measurements will be evaluated and assessed
- Evaluation of psychological measurement results generally requires standards based on existing empirical data.
