Interpreting Results

1
Interpreting Results
2
General Guidelines

• KNOW THE TEST!!!
• Use score reports as visual aids
• Discuss results in context
• Present results in positive frame of reference
• Solicit test taker feedback

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Individual Interpretations

• Tell me about your reactions to the instrument.
• How were you feeling on the day when you
  completed the instrument?
• Explain the type of results the instrument
  offers.
• With that in mind, what do you think your
  results will show?
• Respond to clients prediction.

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Individual Interpretations

• Explain results step-by-step, soliciting client
  feedback frequently
• Now that weve examined your results, lets talk
  about what this means within our counseling
  context.
• Advantages
• Cautions

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Group Interpretations

• Distinct advantages
• Economical
• Clients understand range of scores
• Clients grasp range of within-group differences
• Variety of presentation methods can match
  learning styles
• Forces counselors to gain understanding of full
  range of score possibilities

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Group Interpretations

• Some disadvantages
• Outliers may feel like outcasts
• Shy clients may not ask questions to facilitate
  their own understanding
• Some clients may not get it

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Group InterpretationsGuidelines

• Use A-V aids when possible, if appropriate
• Describe each score/result in terms of total
  range of scores
• Explain how individual scores fit in
• Categorical v. Continuous
• Frequently pause for questions
• Provide activities for client-to-client
  interactions, if appropriate
• Invite clients to request individual feedback to
  facilitate personal understanding

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Communicating results to public

• Guidelines
• Only present group summaries
• Graphical depictions are valuable
• Omit jargon and technical terminology
• Define necessary test-related terms in laymens
  language
• Be prepared for wide variety of questions
• Avoid appearing condescending to public knowledge
  base
• ABOVE ALL, PROTECT CLIENT PRIVACY