The automation of psychological assessment

This paper describes a new approach to psychological assessment—the use of automated testing techniques, and draws attention to the main reasons for pursuing it: the possibilities of both increased reliability and validity on the one hand, and the more efficient use of skilled manpower on the other. Some of the problems of automating psychological assessment are illustrated by reference to a particular system—the ts 512, with which the authors have been closely involved throughout its development. Finally, some of the more general issues relating to automated psychological testing are discussed.