232 TOPIC 9 PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT IN MALAYSIAN SCHOOLS the assessment should also take into account the various traits and characteristics of humanity. This coincides with the National Education Philosophy which aims to produce a balanced and potentially unified individual in line with the views of psychologist Jean Piaget (1964) who said: „The principal goal of education is to create men who are capable of doing new things, not simply of repeating what the generations have done ă men who are creative, inventive and discoverers.‰ Through the initiatives in the transformation of assessment, the Examination Syndicates (Lembaga Peperiksaan, LP) has begun the implementation of a holistic assessment system which is designed to provide information so that we will be able to record the studentsÊ profiles in various fields. The counsellorÊs job is to carry out this assessment and collect information on studentsÊ psychological traits called psychometric assessment (Pentaksiran Psikometrik [PPsi]). PSYCHOMETRIC TEST The psychometric assessment concept was introduced in 2007 and is a part of a holistic assessment system namely the Sistem Pentaksiran Pendidikan Kebangsaan (SPKK) (National Education Assessment System). The academic achievement of students is not the only major aspect in the development of human capital. Therefore, another dimension of the student personality trait has been introduced. The Ministry of Education has taken steps to gather information on studentsÊ psychology traits through psychometric assessment methods. The psychometric assessment functions to collect information which contributes to the student profile. Complete and comprehensive student profiles will be used to help the development of potential students. 9.1 Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)
TOPIC 9 PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT IN MALAYSIAN SCHOOLS 233 9.1.1 Definition Psychometric testing is a systematic method used to collect a personÊs psychological traits and attributes in the cognitive or affective domains. According to the British Psychological Society, psychometric tests are instruments designed to produce quantitative assessments of psychological attributes. The psychological tests can provide information about the capacity, ability and tendency to act and react, possibly through experience or structural thinking and behaviour in a certain way. Psychometric assessment in the context of Malaysia refers to assessment activities used to identify studentsÊ natural abilities, aptitudes, personalities, prospects, interests and tendencies. In addition to psychological traits or studentÊs natural abilities, psychometric assessments are also used to identify traits that can be developed indirectly through learning activities in schools. 9.1.2 Psychometric Assessment Component (Pentaksiran Psikometrik, PPsi) The components of PPsi are aptitude test and personality inventory as shown in Figure 9.1. Figure 9.1: Psychometric Assessment Components In your group, discuss the need to have psychometric assessments in your school. Discuss your experience on the myINSPIRE online forum. ACTIVITY 9.1 Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)
234 TOPIC 9 PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT IN MALAYSIAN SCHOOLS Here is the detail explanation of each of the psychometric assessment (a) Aptitude Test In general, aptitudes are competence components regardless whether they are natural or acquired, learned or developed through the learning process. This test illustrates the readiness as well as the mental and physical potential of students to learn something or to do something at a certain level in the future. The test consists of the general aptitude test and the specific aptitude test. The aptitude test is centred by the Lembaga Peperiksaan. Now let us look at the general and specific aptitude test in detail. (i) General Aptitude Test Aptitude is the ability or natural will to learn or do certain things easily and quickly. It is related less to science, culture and education but more to inherited abilities or talents. The general aptitude test measures the overall performance of students beyond the range of mental abilities. The general aptitude test consists of items that measure problem-solving skills and high-level thinking, and can predict the studentÊs future educational performance. (ii) Specific Aptitude Test The specific aptitude test measures characteristics that illustrate the potential of a person to enter or succeed in an assignment, learning area, workflow or specific situation. In the context of job selection, the type of aptitude test is taken depends on the job and the related field to be involved. In the field of education, the test is used to identify or impart willingness, potential, suitability or predictive success of the student in subsequent learning. The test can provide the counsellor with an idea of the type of fields that students learn best and advise them accordingly (Figure 9.2). Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)
TOPIC 9 PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT IN MALAYSIAN SCHOOLS 235 Figure 9.2: Counselling session in school Source: https://www.google.com.my/search?tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=_ XcvWvbyJoGE8gWa9pzYDg&q=bimbingan+dan+konseling+di+sekolah&oq= The outcome of this test can also be used as a reference for teachers to plan appropriate teaching and learning strategies according to the studentsÊ abilities. Specific aptitude test is designed to identify whether students have any of the following intelligence: Linguistic; Spatial; Mathematics; Music; Naturalist; Kinaesthetic; Interpersonal; Intrapersonal; and Existential. Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)
236 TOPIC 9 PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT IN MALAYSIAN SCHOOLS (b) Personality Test Personality test helps teachers identify and understand the studentÊs personality and find appropriate interventions for the teaching and learning process. In the context of education, the administration of personality inventory is to explore the traits and abilities of the students towards the process of self-knowledge. Hence, personality test has no correct or wrong response. The test is administered to help: (i) Students realise their potential; (ii) Students and their parents identify the studentsÊ personality; (iii) Students plan career goals that fit their personality; and (iv) Teachers plan effective teaching and learning strategies relevant to their studentsÊ capabilities. Now let us look at personality trait inventory and vocational preference inventory closely. (i) Personality Trait Inventory Personality trait inventory is an instrument which is used to collect information about the personality traits of each student. The inventory is based on the theory of trait and factor which was introduced by Frank Parson (1944). The ultimate goal of the theory is to ensure that individual personal characteristics are in line with job requirements. Hence, the alignment of individual personality with the work environment should be emphasised in the planning process of a career. Parson (1944, as cited in Sidek Mohd Noah, 2006) listed three steps in the career and education selection process: Step One Help individuals identify potential personalities, interests, values and achievements using psychometric tests such as career interest tests, personal tests, value tests and achievement tests. Step Two Collect as much information about the job and field of study such as the training requirements, training sites, academic qualification requirements, training duration and other relevant information Step Three Choose a career in line with personality traits of the student. Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)
TOPIC 9 PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT IN MALAYSIAN SCHOOLS 237 This test is performed as required at a specified time. The instrument is provided by the Examination Board and administered by school counsellors. The test report should be provided by the school for the purpose of identifying their students' potentials, interests, values and career paths. (ii) Vocational Preference Inventory Vocational preference inventory is based on the Holland career typology theory. This theory has three main component requirements, namely individual, environment and compatibility between the individual and the environment. The selection of an individualÊs career is based on his personality and some other variables associated with the background of the work involved (Holland, 1985). The theory is based on the following: Career selection is based on the expression of personality as well as the suitability of the work environment; The interest of a person is innate and is incorporated in his personality; Individuals with the same type of work have similarities in terms of their personality patterns; and Alignment between personality and environment will increase work performance, achievement, stability and job satisfaction. 1. What are the differences between general and specific aptitude tests? 2. State the three steps in career and education selection as proposed by Parson. SELF-CHECK 9.1 Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)
238 TOPIC 9 PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT IN MALAYSIAN SCHOOLS INSTRUMENTS OF PSYCHOMETRIC TEST According to Institute of Psychometric Coaching (2018) psychometric tests are a standard and scientific method used to measure individualsÊ mental capacities and behavioral style. These tests are designed to measure candidatesÊ suitability for a role based on the required personality characteristics and aptitude. Now let us look at the instruments of psychometric test. 9.2.1 Personality Trait Inventory (PTI) Personality trait inventory (PTI) tested on 1,000 Form 1 and 1,000 Form 2 students from 47 secondary schools in Malaysia from 5 April 2012 to 26 April 2012. The data has been processed to see the reliability and validity of the items. These items have a reliability score of Alpha Cronbach > 0.8. The test contains 15 constructs as mentioned in Table 9.1. Each construct has 10 items. Table 9.1: Constructs in Personality Trait Inventory No. Construct Operational Definition 1 Autonomy Individuals who prefer freedom in their actions will take control over and define their daily activities. 2 Creative Individuals who are able to create and develop new and original ideas. 3 Aggressive Individuals who are too critical of others, firm, courageous and dislike manipulation. They disregard the feelings of others in their quest to achieve their self-goals. 4 Extrovert Individuals who like to be surrounded by, interact and work with many people. 5 Accomplished Individuals who are passionate and motivated to complete their tasks. They want to succeed and love competition despite many obstacles. 6 Versatile Individuals who can accept and adapt easily to various situations. Love the diverse experiences towards continuous change. 7 Intellect Individuals who are interested in activities that challenge their intellectual abilities. Emphasis on cognitive and scientific activities. 9.2 Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)
TOPIC 9 PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT IN MALAYSIAN SCHOOLS 239 8 Leadership Individuals who like to control others or prefer to lead rather than to be led. 9 Structure Individuals who like things organised, neat, detailed and in accordance with the rules. 10 Resilience Individuals who are grateful, have endurance and endeavours to complete the task. 11 Helpful Individuals tend to show empathy, care and love to help others. 12 Analytical Individuals who like to make observations and analysis before making a decision. They make decisions based on facts and evidences. 13 Self-critical Individuals who are unstable in terms of emotions and psychology. They have the assumption that others are better than them. 14 Visionary Individuals who are farsighted, have high imagination, think of ideas that others do not consider and charismatic. 15 Transparency Individuals who demonstrate transparency in giving feedback on this test item. Source: Nunnally & Berstein (1994) 9.2.2 Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) Vocational preference inventory (VPI) has two components, namely interest inventory and career inventory. This test has been administered to 1,000 Form 1 and 1,000 Form 2 students from 47 secondary schools in Malaysia from 5 April 2012 to 26 April 2012. The data has been processed to see the reliability and validity of the items. These items have a reliability score of Alpha Cronbach > 0.8. The test contains 6 constructs. Each construct has 10 items for interest and 10 items for career. Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)
240 TOPIC 9 PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT IN MALAYSIAN SCHOOLS Table 9.2: Six Constructs in the Vocational Preference Inventory Type Abilities Typical Occupations Realistic Mechanical abilities Typical Occupations Investigative Mathematical and scientific abilities Engineers, IT analysts, auditors, technical directors, etc. Economists, scientists, psychologists, anthropologists, software engineers or analysts, etc. Artistic Writing, musical, artistic or creative abilities Musicians, writers, fashion designers, actors, etc. Social Social and interpersonal abilities Counsellors, social workers, teachers, speech therapists, etc. Enterprising Leadership and speaking abilities Investment consultants, stock brokers, management consultants, marketing and sales managers, entrepreneurs, etc. Conventional Clerical and arithmetic abilities Accountants, credit analysts, executive secretaries, actuaries, etc. Source: Sidek Mohd. Noah (2002) When the score of the test has been calculated, the school counsellor will interpret the data and he will advise the student on the types of occupations that are compatible with the studentÊs personality as mentioned in Table 9.2. 9.2.3 Method of Administration The psychometric test should be completed within 20 to 30 minutes. It is proposed that the administration of this test be carried out in a conducive room and complete with basic amenities such as chairs and tables. All instructions need to be adhered to by candidates who take the test. The test can be taken again after six months from the date of the first test. The flow of the tests is simplified in Figure 9.3. Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)
TOPIC 9 PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT IN MALAYSIAN SCHOOLS 241 Figure 9.3: Administering psychometric assessment flow chart COUNSELLORS’ TASKS The administration of the psychometric assessment is mostly conducted by school counsellors. School counsellors are also involved in the calculation of the scores from specific aptitude inventories. The school counsellor also needs to endorse every studentÊs profile that is kept in the counselling room. However, there are also counsellors in the District Education Office (Pejabat Pelajaraan Daerah, PPD) who are in charge of the psychometric assessment. 9.3 Search for some examples of the inventories from various websites. Read them and discuss the suitability of administering the inventories to your students with your coursemates. ACTIVITY 9.2 Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)
242 TOPIC 9 PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT IN MALAYSIAN SCHOOLS 9.3.1 Tasks of the Deputy Counselling Officer in the District Education Office Here a few examples of the tasks of a deputy counselling officer: (a) Ensure that all schools under PPD receive psychometric assessment materials; (b) Conduct briefing to all principals in PPD for each type of psychometric assessment; and (c) Ensure implementation at the school level. 9.3.2 Tasks of the School Counsellor Now let us look at the tasks of a school counsellor: (a) Discuss with the principal about the psychometric assessment procedures; (b) Brief all teachers and students on the psychometric assessment; (c) Administer psychometric assessment; (d) Prepare student profiles; (e) Create interventions, consultations and sessions based on profile findings; and (f) Keep the student profiles. Have you observed how your school counsellor administered the psychometric assessment? Compare your observation with those of your coursemates. Share your observation with your coursemates in the myINSPIRE online forum. ACTIVITY 9.3 Compare and contrast the tasks of counsellors in DEO and in school. SELF-CHECK 9.2 Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)
TOPIC 9 PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT IN MALAYSIAN SCHOOLS 243 Psychometric assessment was introduced to Malaysian schools as a way to develop holistic and balanced students. There are two types of psychometric assessments, namely aptitude test and personality test. There are two types of aptitude test ă general aptitude test and specific aptitude test. There are two types of personality tests ă personality trait inventory and vocational preferences inventory. It is the task of counsellors to ensure that psychometric assessment is implemented in every school in Malaysia. Aptitude test Holistic Personality trait inventory Psychometric assessment Vocational preference inventory Hanizah Hamzah. (2011). Mentaksir ciri tret psikologi murid: Penerokaan dimensi baru. Lembaga Peperiksaan, Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia. Hanizah Hamzah. (2011). Pentaksiran holistic acuan Malaysia. PaSSak PADI SERANGKAI. Lembaga Peperiksaan, Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia. Hanizah Hamzah. (2011). Profil: Kenali murid. Tingkatkan prestasi. Lembaga Peperiksaan, Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia. Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)
244 TOPIC 9 PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT IN MALAYSIAN SCHOOLS Holland, J. L. (1996). Making vocational choices: A theory of vocational personality and work environment. Florida: Psychological Assessment resources Inc. Institute of Psychometric Coaching. (2018). Introduction to psychometric tests. Retrieved from https://www.psychometricinsitute.com.au/PsychometricGuide/Introduction_to_Psychometric_Tests Kamus Dewan. (2005). Kuala Lumpur. Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. Nunnally, J. C., & Bernstein, I. H. (1994). Psychometric theory (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. Piaget, J. (1964). Development and learning. Ithaca. Cornell University, School of Education. Sidek Mohd. Noah. (2002). Perkembangan kerjaya: Teori & Praktis. Serdang: Penerbit Universiti Putra Malaysia. Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)
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