Comparing computerized versus traditional psychological assessment

摘要

This study utilized a Latin Squares design to assess the equivalence of computerized testing methods compared to traditional pencil-and-paper formats in a clinical setting. Subjects were given an intake interview and three personality assessment instruments by either of the two administration formats at one week intervals. Subjects also completed a post-assessment evaluation instrument (semantic differential) to gauge their reactions to the testing experience. Data analysis indicated no significant differences between scores on measures of anxiety, depression, and psychological reactance, either across group or administration format. Importantly, while producing comparable results to the pencil-and-paper assessment, the computerized administration was preferred over the pencil-and-paper administration by 85% of the subjects. Discussion emphasizes the implications of this study as support for the use of computerized assessment in applied psychology.