There are both conscious and subconscious processes in play. We continue to strive for something better. There are a few simple things we should always being doing to honor who a person is in the testing process. The following is just a sampling of how we operationalize our goals:
- Utilizing testing materials with good psychometric properties. Are various racial, ethnic, gender-based, linguistic, etc. groups appropriately represented? Is the sample size large enough to be reliable?
- Selecting tests and measures with culturally inclusive language and images.
- Demonstrating a core regard and respect for prospective and current clients that consistently reflects not only a dedication to equality but also an acknowledgement that such an ideal does not exist in our society.
- Living with the fact that with power comes responsibility. We know that assessments don’t define people and we don’t take ourselves too seriously. However, reports can be widely read and impactful. How do we own and address our “authority” in the room, in the report, in the wider community?
- Recognizing trauma and calling it what it is. The impact of trauma is wide-reaching, with emotional, physical, interpersonal, cognitive, and other manifestations. There may be an acute incident…but there may also be an insidious, daily exposure to racism, bigotry, and disenfranchisement.
- Reviewing our procedures. Are our practices reflective of who we aim to be both personally and professionally? Do we continuously reassess how well we are able to interpret standardized testing data in the context of an individual person’s experience and a wider context?
- Facilitating real exchanges. We’ll take the time to talk, contemplate, and ask questions.
- Do no harm. Period. See this link to our Ethical Principles & Code of Conduct: https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/