6 ECTS credits
150 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4003709ENR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
Psychodiagnostic assessment of behavior, personality and psychopathology is framed within a hypothesis-based model fulfilling fundamental conditions (ethical, deontological, critically reflecting, evidence-based). Fundamental questions in psychodiagnostics (analysis of complaints, problems, explanation and indication) are answered applying the steps of the diagnostic cycle:
1) formulating hypotheses and assessment criteria, 2) selection of reliable and valid instruments to test the hypotheses, 3) evaluation of hypotheses in light of the test results, 4) indication of goal for treatment), and 5) integrated assessment report of conclusions with focus on indication.
Theory: The above-mentioned learning contents are discussed and illustrated with case examples.
WPO: Students go through the diagnostic cycle with a case and complete a task consisting of two (mandatory) parts:
1) Written feedback using an integrative report with findings of the psychodiagnostic process.
2) Verbal feedback of the psychodiagnostic findings through a simulation.
Possible forms of HOC/WPO are on campus and/or live stream and/or recorded lessons.
The hours below are indicative for regular students:
HOC 24 hours, WPO 12 hours, ZELF 30 hours
Buy your handbook only at the VUB Standaard studentshop to have the most recent edition. Consult the course section on the learning platform for more information or other course material.
The student has knowledge of and insight into psychodiagnostics in adults.
The student is able to implement the psychodiagnostic process (from intake to report) in a scientifically substantiated manner and to assess the psychodiagnostics of clinical cases in their totality.
The student acquires the required knowledge to gain insight into the conditions for high-quality psychodiagnostics, taking into account an evidence-based approach, a hypothesis-testing model, and a deontological framework.
On the basis of casus’ material, the student can formulate and answer fundamental clinical questions (recognition, explanation, prediction, indication), select reliable and valid instruments and set up criteria to test the hypotheses, interpret test results, evaluate hypotheses in the light of the test results, to describe the integrative interplay of psychological (dis) functioning in different domains (biological, psychological, social) and to present the result of the psychodiagnostic process integratively in an integrated decision and to report to clients.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 60% of the final mark.
SELF Report determines 40% of the final mark.
Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the SELF Report category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Written exam – open questions (60%)
Task: integrative report with conclusion of the psychodiagnostic cycle + feedback to the client (written report + oral simulation) (40%)
Points of parts (exam or task) for which one succeeded (at least half of the maximum possible points) are kept. These points are transferred to the next exam session/academic year. If a student achieves at least half of the maximum possible points on a part and retakes the part in a next exam session, only the last obtained result will count. If, prior to the start of a next exam session, the student emails the professor that they do not wish to keep the obtained partial result, the points will be irrevocably lost. Participation in all parts is mandatory to obtain a total grade.
Check class session and learning platform for deadlines and guidelines! If a deadline is not respected or the task is incomplete, the task will automatically not be graded until the next exam period in the next session (second exam session or next academic year) and no total score will be granted. Always keep a complete copy of the task as handed in.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Psychology: Clinical Psychology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Teaching in Behavioural Sciences: psychologie (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)