Psychology Philosophy and Education

 Psychological Constructs, Concepts, and the Nature of Measurement > Week 1

Describe Psychological Constructs and Tests

Week: 1

Psychological Tests

Activity Description

For this task, write a paper in which you answer the following questions and complete the following:

1. What is a psychological construct? How are concepts and constructs typically measured in the field of psychology? Use the readings and outside sources (if you like) to defend your answer.
2. What is a psychological test? What is the unique value of a test as compared to some other means of getting information about people? Use the readings and outside sources (if you like) to defend your answer.
3. Answer Kline (Chapter 1, questions 1, 2, 5, and 6)

1. Choose one construct of interest that you intend to make a scale on. Provide a conceptual definition of such construct based on existing literature. Provide a brief description of individuals who “possess” the construct or those who may score high on a scale measuring the construct and a person who might score low on the same construct.

Length: 5 pages, not including title and reference pages.

Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards.

Learning Outcomes

1.0   Critique the meaning and implications of measuring psychological constructs.

2.0   Analyze the literature on a particular construct and the current tools that have been designed to measure it.

Introduction: 

Psychological tests are used to measure psychological constructs. The development of a scale, then, must start with gaining clarity on the meaning of the general concept as it narrows down and becomes a specific construct the tool will measure. This week you will explore what a construct is and the relationships of constructs to scales

Be sure to review this week’s resources carefully. These include an introduction and a refresher on descriptive statistics and standard scores that are typically used in psychometrics. You are expected to apply the information from these resources when you prepare your assignments.

University of Phoenix Material

Rhetorical Strategies and Fallacies Worksheet

The following are some common rhetorical strategies:

• Innuendo: a leading suggestion
• Stereotype: generalized statements relating to a group of people
• Loaded questions: questions based on unjustified assumptions
• Hyperbole: an extreme exaggeration

Identify the rhetorical strategy in each of the following statements.

1. I did not say the meat was tough. I said I did not see the horse that is usually outside (W. C. Fields). 
2. Have you stopped beating your wife?
3. The Maserati is the best car in the world!
4. All men love football; all women love the ballet.

The following are some common rhetorical fallacies:

• Slippery slope: If A happens, then B–Z will follow. Therefore, to prevent B–Z from happening, do not allow A to occur.
• Hasty generalization: rushing to form a conclusion based on assumptions; not based on clear evidence
• Post hoc ergo propter hoc: If A occurs after B, then B caused A.
• Either/or: looking at a situation from only two sides, or oversimplifying the situation
• Ad hominem: attacking the person rather than attacking the argument
• Red herring or smoke screen: introducing an unrelated topic as a diversionary tactic

Identify the rhetorical fallacy in each of the following statements.

1. We can either stop using plastic, or destroy the Earth
2. I ate tuna for lunch and now I do not feel well, so the tuna made me ill.
3. If you enjoy a social drink, it could lead to you becoming an alcoholic, so you probably should never drink.
4. Even though this is the first week of class, I can tell this is going to be a very easy course.
5. We know that smoking can affect your health, but how else will tobacco farmers earn a living? _
6. As the candidate for mayor, he has some good ideas, but we know that all politicians are dishonest.

Rhetorical Strategies and Fallacies Worksheet PHL/320 Version 1

As you have read, there are many theories of emotion. For this task you will select four of the theories described. One of the theories you select should be a biological theory. After selecting the four theories you will construct a table describing the main characteristics of each theory along with its strengths and weaknesses.

Length: 2-3 pages table