Psychological research methods - Modulo 2 (2008/2009)

Learning outcomes

 study the historical-scientific debate on the concepts of “measurement in psychology” and “psychological testing”;
 investigate the concept of such “psychological characteristics” (constructs) as intelligence, aptitudes, attitudes and personality traits in order to understand whether or not they can be measured;
 deepen the concept of “validity” of the tools used in psychological research and practice for the measurement of psychological characteristics (constructs);
 investigate the relations between “indicators” and “constructs”;
 analyze the role of the so called “normal curve” in psychological research and practice;
 deepen the concept of “assessment in psychology” through the methods and the tools which can be adopted.

The module aims to specifically introduce students to the field of the measurement in psychology and psychological testing. Do such psychological characteristics as intelligence, aptitudes, attitudes or personality traits exist? Can they be measured? How is it possible to come to a quantification of non-observable constructs, as the psychological characteristics, through the observation of proper indicators? Which are the relations between indicators and constructs? The module aims to answer these and other questions in a probabilistic way.

Texts for the exam:
1. Sartori, R. (in press) Psicologia Psicometrica, LED, Milano.

The exam will consist in a written part with closed questions and multiple choice.
 Sartori, R. (in press) Psicologia Psicometrica, LED, Milano.