Research on the Effects of Test Interpretation

Abstract

This article reviews four decades of research on test interpretation. It concludes that the intended effects of this intervention have been demonstrated. There seems no clear evidence, however, for the effectiveness of one interpretation modality over another, though clients seem to prefer individual interpretations. Also examined in the article are client and counselor variables that alone and in interaction may affect test interpretations. Literature on the Barnum Effect is discussed briefly as a possible area of 'basic research " in test interpretation. Finally, several issues (e.g., criteria) that merit attention both by researchers and research consumers are discussed