Ethics in Computer-Aided Counseling

Ethical Issues in the Use of Computer-Aided Assessments

One of the fastest growing businesses within the field of psychology is that of computerized administration and interpretation of tests (e.g., the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 [MMPI-2], the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory [MCMI], the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator [MBTI]) resulting in the adoption of the 1986 APA Guidelines for Computer-Based Tests and Interpretations. Currently there are over 500 computerized assessments offering computerized interpretations as well. Benefits of computerized psychological tests (CPT) include that little or no supervision of the test-taker is required, little training is required to administer the test, the computer program may generate the report and interpretation, and overall costs are reduced. Other advantages of computerized tests over traditional versions are that the test-taker makes fewer errors and that fewer errors are made when scoring.

Ethical standards further address implications for the development and sales of CPTs and interpretation services. Manuals with clear statements as to the purpose of the test, instructions for administration, validity and reliability scores, and specific interpretation statements must be provided. Most recently, scoring and test interpretation services are also offered to users through mail service or through computer software packages. These services, while helpful, must be considered in light of their limitations. Interpretations must include specific information that might have influenced scoring, such as ethnicity, education, and physical disabilities. No test scoring and interpretation service should be used if validity, reliability, and specific interpretation information is lacking. It remains the user's responsibility to use and interpret assessments appropriately, regardless of how the tests are scored and interpreted.

One option sometimes offered by automated scoring services is that of providing a copy of the computerized interpretation. Users of these automated services should first investigate to determine how results may be presented and how the client's confidentiality will be maintained. Some services offer to provide a copy of the interpretation, but such a report should not be provided to the client without an explanation in terms understandable to the client. The explanation should include any implications and potential consequences in the future and how the results will be used.

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