La evaluación psicológica y la toma de decisiones por parte del psicólogo: Un estudio on-line sobre psicólogos brasileros

Abstract

The area of Psychological Assessment (PA) is based on scientific assumptions that allow the understanding of complex psychological phenomena, and in the advancements, which are driven by new demands and realities, that have required the redefinition of methods, techniques and scientific theories. Investigating decision-making in the process of designing, planning and executing psychological assessment becomes essential because it is clear that the difficulties in the area refer, primarily, to professional training, as well as to the lack of research that would promote the adequate development of the area. This study aimed at identifying within the respondents, the percentage of psychologists in the Northeastern region of Brazil who use Psychological Assessment; analyzing the profile of these professionals in terms of gender, time since graduation, additional training in PA and the State where the professional works; checking how psychologists plan the PA process; and identifying which differences can be observed when considering the time of professional practice and the additional training, regarding the planning of the evaluation process in different areas. The instrument used in this study was an online questionnaire and the sample chosen by adhesion to the proposal. 159 professionals participated, of whom the majority were females with a specialist degree. It was found that most professionals elaborate a plan when using PA, establishing a method and choosing the most appropriate strategies to be used. The results allows confirming that the practice of the profession requires being thoughtful when conducting PA. This will facilitate making important decisions when facing different needs that arise from the various contexts in which psychologists operate