Pros And Cons: The Misuse Of Test Scores

There are a variety of ways that tests can be misused and have an effect on the individual being tested. One ethical issue that may arise is how the test scores are interpreted and used. Especially the interpretation of test scored when testing diverse populations (Anastasi, & Urbina, 1997). According to Anastasi and Urbina (1997), scores can often be misinterpreted when testing diverse populations because of the lack of investigating further into why individuals from diverse populations obtained the low scores. They go onto report that researchers must explore other factors that may have impacted the test scores that the test itself cannot reveal.

Not further investigating the cultural disadvantages of the individual or population being tested can lead to mislabeling (Anastasi, & Urbina, 1997). This has shown to have been done with personality and IQ tests.

According to the American Psychological Association (2010), in order to follow the code of ethics psychologists must take into account not only the purpose of the test, but other test factors, abilities, cultural differences, etc. that
Confidentiality involves protecting the information collected from the individual tested from a third person party (Anastasi, & Urbina, 1997). The American Psychological Association (2010) states that it is up to the psychologist to maintain the security of all the test data and materials in order to adhere to the law, contract, and code of ethics. Furthermore, they report that test data can only be given to individuals mentioned on the client/patient release. In the event no release has been signed, data collected can only be released by law or court order (American Psychological Association, 2010). Failure to maintain confidentiality can result in trust lost between the psychologist and the individual being tested, a possible lawsuit, and a negative