Psychological Testing

What is psychological testing?

Psychological testing is a process that involves a trained psychologist. The psychologist administers a range of tests to determine the cause of mental health conditions, to test whether the diagnosis is accurate and to follow up with treatment. These tests, with a high level of accuracy, evaluate various psychological aspects of people such as their skills, level of intelligence, aptitudes, personality traits, emotional functioning, social skills and psychopathology.

Why do we use psychological testing?

Psychological testing is a valuable resource when a child is struggling with academic, social, or behavioural issues. These problems could be indicative of a learning disorder, depression, anxiety, a mood disorder, or aggression. The diverse range of psychological tests available allows psychologists to effectively rule out potential disorders, ensuring an accurate diagnosis.

Psychological testing is not limited to children. It is also a crucial tool in the assessment of adults, particularly after a traumatic brain injury or in the determination of the severity of cognitive disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, these tests can be used to assess an individual's mental competence to stand trial, showcasing the versatility of psychological testing in a variety of contexts. For example, psychological tests may be used for the compilation of forensic psychological reports, career counselling, diagnosing types of psychological disorders, and determining suitable candidates for types of jobs or positions.

Legally, only professionally trained psychologists may conduct and interpret the results of psychological tests. Those who are untrained and venture into this field are committing a criminal offence. Another legal requirement is that all tests must be valid and measure what they are designed to measure. Equally important is their reliability, as it ensures that the tests produce consistent results when repeated.

© 2026 Dr Adelbert Scholtz, Christian Counselling Psychologist.

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