Performance test (psychology)

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Performance tests or performance methods are psychological test procedures for recording performance characteristics (also abilities or skills) of a person. As a method class, they are compared to the judgment tests (assessment / evaluation of facts) and the interpretation methods (projective procedures). The comparison to personality tests is more problematic because the characteristics of performance themselves also belong to the personality characteristics (the characteristics of a person, the characteristics that make up the individuality of the person).

The common denominator of these tests is that problems are given that have to be solved. Parameters are measured that evaluate the amount of solution and the quality of the solution (amount of correct solutions, quality of the solutions, solution times, errors, etc.). In contrast to personality tests, there is a “better” or “worse” with regard to the performance achieved. A distinction can be made between general performance tests and special performance tests. General performance tests capture characteristics that are included in every performance , while special performance tests only capture specific performance. Performance tests are used e.g. B. in neuropsychology for disorder identification, in the context of rehabilitation, in educational or career choices and in selection processes.

Depending on the time available for solving the task, a distinction is made between speed tests and level tests .

Types of performance tests

The main types of performance tests classified according to what the test measures:

  • Intelligence tests, general performance tests
    • Knowledge tests (so-called crystallized or crystalline intelligence)
    • Problem solving tests (so-called fluid intelligence)
    • Tests to record basic parameters of information processing (information processing speed and capacity of working memory)
  • Learning tests, which, in contrast, record the change in performance over time (learning and practice effects)
  • Concentration / attention tests
  • Memory tests
  • Language tests
  • Tests to check sensorimotor functions

According to the application (question) one differentiates z. B.

  • School performance tests, such as B. Reading tests or arithmetic tests that are oriented towards specific learning objectives
  • Work samples that are used in the context of suitability and fitness diagnostics

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