PSYCHOMETRICS

Philosophy and Approach

We are usually aware that “the map is not the territory” and with this in mind great care needs to be taken with the use of assessment techniques and models. No model however comprehensive or whatever the claims can possibly capture the intricacy of a persons potential, thoughts, values, beliefs, feelings and relationships.
These models may provide useful insights in the context of specific needs or conversations as opposed to being used to label or stereotype people. The information produced should be validated by the person involved who should be well informed about the models intent and construct.

Psychometrics and various tests can provide a range of insights of value to a client and help to stimulate thinking and high quality coaching support.  However,It is important to realise that they are ways of speaking about a person within the limits of a specific model and they are not the person nor can they enable a comprehensive view. Human beings will always exist beyond the inherent limitations of such models.

Furthermore any model view is just a snapshot in time whilst human beings are living,changing,adapting and so clearly should not be labelled by any specific psychometric or treated as if that is all they are.

Consequently it is important to treat psychometric interpretation with great care,respecting the integrity, uniqueness and complexity of people whilst working to capture insights of value.

With that health warning, there are a wide range of psychometrics that can be applied at the right time and in the right context, via trained users to help understanding ,learning and development in a positive way.

This section provides links to a wide range of resources and tests of value to coaches in different contexts. Some may require specific training and accreditation to use and links are provided to appropriate training and accreditation organisations.

Access to free tests and models - some may require accreditation

http://www.psychometricadvantage.co.uk/

http://www.keirsey.com/sorter/register.aspx

Some transferable skills tests available on the Internet: