Counsellor Attributes and Competence in Interpreting Psychological Tests in Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom State 42 15
Keywords:
Counsellor attributes, psychological test, competence, interest, perceived usefulness, ethical attitudeAbstract
This study examined the predictive influence of counsellor attributes on competence in interpreting psychological tests in secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a population comprising 245 registered counsellors in Akwa Ibom State. A sample of 210 respondents was selected using multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected using a researcher-developed instrument titled "Counsellor Attributes and Psychological Test Interpretation Questionnaire (CAPTIQ)," which was validated by three experts and demonstrated a reliability coefficient of 0.82 using Cronbach Alpha. Simple linear regression analysis was employed to answer research questions and test hypotheses at the 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that interest in using psychological tests, perceived usefulness of psychological testing, and ethical attitude toward test usage significantly predicted counsellors' competence in interpreting psychological tests. The study concluded that counsellor attributes are significant predictors of test interpretation competence. It was recommended that continuous professional development programmes be organised to enhance counsellors' interest, ethical awareness, and appreciation of psychological testing.Downloads
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