Discussion – Limitations of a Test

Discussion – Limitations of a Test

Medication during Testing

It would be advisable for the high school senior to take their ADHD medication as prescribed during testing. ADHD medications improve concentration and reduce symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity, positively influencing the student’s ability to focus and perform during the test. According to Nazarova et al. (2022), medication management is critical for treating ADHD, especially for tasks requiring sustained attention. By taking the medication, the student can better manage symptoms and demonstrate true academic abilities.

Personal Factors Influencing Test Results

Personal factors influencing test results include the student’s familiarity with the test material, test anxiety, and overall health on the day of the test (Park et al., 2020). For example, a student with ADHD might experience heightened anxiety, impairing performance if not managed properly. Anxiety can lead to concentration difficulties, impacting the student’s ability to answer questions accurately (Chang et al., 2019). Additionally, if the student is not feeling well physically, it could negatively affect cognitive functioning.

Environmental Factors Influencing Test Results

Environmental factors also play a significant role in influencing test results. The testing environment, such as noise level, lighting, and seating arrangement, can significantly impact a student’s performance. An environment with minimal distractions can help mitigate the negative impact of ADHD symptoms. For instance, a quiet room with good lighting and comfortable seating can enhance focus. Additionally, the time the test is taken can affect performance, as ADHD symptoms can vary throughout the day (Magnus et al., 2023).

Conclusion

Advising the student to take their medication aligns with best practices for managing ADHD and can enhance their testing experience. Considering a range of personal and environmental factors is crucial for informed decisions about testing accommodations and interpreting results. Ensuring optimal physical and mental health can help obtain an accurate assessment of the student’s abilities.

References

Chang, Z., Ghirardi, L., Quinn, P. D., Asherson, P., D’Onofrio, B. M., & Larsson, H. (2019). Risks and benefits of ADHD medication on behavioral and neuropsychiatric outcomes: A qualitative review of pharmacoepidemiology studies using linked prescription databases. Biological Psychiatry, 86(5), 335–343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.04.009

Magnus, W., Nazir, S., Anilkumar, A. C., & Shaban, K. (2023, August 8). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441838/

Nazarova, V. A., Sokolov, A. V., Chubarev, V. N., Tarasov, V. V., & Schiöth, H. B. (2022). Treatment of ADHD: Drugs, psychological therapies, devices, complementary and alternative methods, as well as the trends in clinical trials. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13(13). https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.1066988

Park, H. S., Kim, K. I., Soh, J. Y., Hyun, Y. H., Jang, S. K., Lee, S., Hwang, G. Y., & Kim, H. S. (2020). Factors influencing acceptance of personal health record apps for workplace health promotion: Cross-sectional questionnaire study. JMIR MHealth and UHealth, 8(6), e16723. https://doi.org/10.2196/16723

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prompt: For this assignment, you will read a scenario and consider a test’s limitations.

Many test limitations may alter a test taker’s experience or results. To complete this assignment, first read the scenario below:

Imagine that you are a trained psychologist working at a school. A high school senior comes to your office seeking accommodations for extended test time. The student has a history of being diagnosed with ADHD, although they never completed formal testing. The student’s primary care provider has prescribed stimulant medication for inattention symptoms. The student wants to know if they should take their ADHD medication during testing.

Discussion – Limitations of a Test

Answer the following questions in a one- to two-paragraph response:

Would you suggest they take their prescribed medication? Why or why not?
Discuss some personal, environmental, or other factors that might influence test results and decisions based on outcomes. Use the scenario example or another one to illustrate the implications of your identified factors.

Textbook: Psychological Testing and Assessment Chapter 2, pp. 61-79

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