Psychological Testing usually refers to standardised and validated tests that can be used to assess a variety of aspects of psychological functioning. These tests are often referred to as psychometric tests. There are many types of psychometric tests, applied in a wide range of situations. There are psychometric tests of intellectual abilities and aptitudes, achievement, personality, emotional state, and neurological functioning.
Tests of intellectual functioning can be used to assess learning and developmental difficulties, the impact of an injury on brain function. Personality tests are administered for a wide variety of reasons, from diagnosing psychopathology (e.g., personality disorder, depressive disorder) to screening job candidates. They may be used in an educational setting to determine personality strengths and weaknesses.
Psychometric tests are administered in a variety of settings, including schools, universities, hospitals, healthcare settings, and employment agencies. They come in a variety of formats, including written, verbal, and computer administered.