APA ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
As indicated on the APA Ethics Office website, the APA promotes ethics throughout the field of psychology. This includes the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Regardless of specialty, the 5 General Principles and 10 Ethical Standards provide a foundation for which psychologists and psychology trainees build their work. In addition to working within the framework of the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, several organizations have provided resources to support appropriate and ethical decision making in regard to cognitive testing and assessment. As rehabilitation psychologists, clinical neuropsychologists, and health psychologists working in interdisciplinary medical settings are frequently called upon to assess emotional and cognitive status, the following guidelines and position papers may provide additional guidance to trainees working in these settings
APA PRACTICE DIRECTORATE
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APA SCIENCE DIRECTORATE
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The APA Practice Directorate promotes the practice of psychology and the availability and accessibility of psychological services. The Practice Directorate supports members of both the APA and its companion organization, the APA Practice Organization. The APA Practice Directorate has developed a number of professional guidelines related to assessment, including:
- Evaluation of Quality Improvement Programs - Evaluation of Dementia and Age-Related Cognitive Change - Assessment and Intervention of Persons with Disabilities - Practice/Assessment Guidelines for LGB Persons - Guidelines for Test User Qualifications - Screening/Diagnosis of Autism - Guidelines for Evaluation in Child Protection Matters - Forensic Psychology Guidelines |
The APA Science Directorate seeks to communicate, facilitate, promote and represent psychological science and scientists. These goals are achieved through programs that promote psychological science in academic and scientific arenas, and advocacy on behalf of scientific psychology. The APA Science Directorate has developed a number of professional guidelines related to assessment, including:
- Test Disclosure Statement - A Decision Making Tool Regarding Third Party Observers - Report of Test User Qualifications - Guidelines for Psychological Testing on the Internet - Rights and Responsibilities of Test Takers |
APA ASSESSMENT STANDARDS
The 2014 edition of the "Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing" is now available through the APA Science Directorate. The Testing Standards are a product of the American Educational Research Association, the American Psychological Association and the National Council on Measurement in Education. Published collaboratively by the three organizations since 1966, it represents the gold standard in guidance on testing in the United States and in many other countries.
NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT STANDARDS
The Society for Clinical Neuropsychology (APA Division 40) has collaborated with other major neuropsychology organizations on a number of important issues related to neuropsychological assessment at the state and federal levels.
The National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) is one such organization. In 1999, NAN put out the first series of official position papers, which included topics such as the use of technicians for testing administration, presence of third party observers during testing, and security of testing materials. Since that first issue, additional papers have been disseminated, the majority of which have been published in Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology.
The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) has also provided position papers on professional issues relevant to assessment and in cooperation with other organizations. This includes serial testing administration, testing pediatric populations, assessment of sports-related concussion, among others.
The National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) is one such organization. In 1999, NAN put out the first series of official position papers, which included topics such as the use of technicians for testing administration, presence of third party observers during testing, and security of testing materials. Since that first issue, additional papers have been disseminated, the majority of which have been published in Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology.
The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) has also provided position papers on professional issues relevant to assessment and in cooperation with other organizations. This includes serial testing administration, testing pediatric populations, assessment of sports-related concussion, among others.