Module Code - Title:
PS6302
-
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The aim of this module is to provide students with a broad introduction to psychological assessment skills that are applicable across different stages of the lifespan. The module will develop skills of assessment that are applicable across various professional settings.
Syllabus:
The module will provide a valuable introduction to psychological assessment skills that are applicable across different stages of the lifespan and various professional settings. The module will focus on historical and recent approaches to assessment and the validity of these approaches will be discussed by considering up-to-date research in clinical psychology. The module will introduce you to methods of conducting psychological assessment, psychometric theory, and apply these principals to mental health evaluations. Focus will also be on how to interpret assessment results to aid clinical understanding and use this knowledge to support individuals at various life stages effectively.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Describe the use and theoretical foundations of assessment underpinning intelligence, personality, pathology and neuropsychology
2. Develop the core skills of assessment
3. Critically evaluate the value of assessment and psychological research of assessment in clinical psychology
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Value the contribution of assessment for clinical and non-clinical samples.
2. Demonstrate an appreciation of the contribution of research in clinical psychology regarding the increasing insights into the assessment of intelligence, personality, pathology, and neuropsychology
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module is delivered in two dimensions: lectures and workshops. The first six weeks consist of weekly lectures to introduce students to the theoretical underpinnings, evidence-based research, and core skills of psychological assessment across the lifespan. This phase fosters curiosity as students engage with foundational concepts and develop articulate communication skills through discussions and critical reflection. The second six weeks involve workshops, providing students the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and skills in practical settings, encouraging agility through interactive group work, activities, and didactic teaching. In addition to these sessions, learning will be supported through guided and independent reading, helping students take responsibility for their academic development. Summative assessments will further help build resilience, supporting students to achieve the module's learning outcomes.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Johnstone & Dallos (2014)
Formulation in Psychology and Psychotherapy: making sense of peoples' problems
, Routledge
Other Relevant Texts:
Lezak et al., (2012)
Neuropsychological Assessment
, Oxford University Press
Corrie et al., (2016)
Assessment and Case Formulation In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
, Sage
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MSCCPSTFA - CLINICAL AND COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
elayne.ahern@ul.ie