ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the various reasons given for the lowering of diagnostic evaluation on the hierarchy of professional activities and to see whether they will bear close scrutiny. There are several arguments given on behalf of the pessimistic position, each argument being followed by a critical evaluation."Diagnostic testing is a relatively simple activity which requires less skill and training than other responsibilities of the clinical psychologist, such as psychotherapy and research"."Diagnostic evaluation, although of value, is not as worthy of taking up the psychologist's time as other activities of greater direct service to society, such as psychotherapy". "Diagnostic evaluation is so time consuming and lengthy and clumsy that it engages the psychologist far beyond the point of diminishing returns". "There is little point in engaging in diagnostic evaluation because of the unknown and question-able validity of the various instruments involved".
