ABSTRACT
The “psychometric” means, literally, measurement of the mind. A psychometric test is a task or a set of tasks given under standard conditions designed to assess some aspects of a person’s knowledge, skill, or personality. In psychology, test standardization is a technical word that means the process in which the validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of a given test are shown. A test is valid if it measures the function that the test developer claims it measures, eg, reaction time, recent memory, motor coordination. Psychometric procedures are used as screening procedures in the study of environmental disasters or occupational accidents. The selection of the proper screening battery is guided by the neurotoxic agent involved and the time and facilities available. In most of these studies, group results are reported. Reaction time tests are among the oldest research tools in psychological research, and for several generations reaction timers have mirrored prevailing technologies in physical appearance.
