Kendler, T. S. (1963). Psychological testing. In T. S. Kendler, The Century psychology series. Study guide for Howard H. Kendler's Basic psychology (pp. 281-300). East Norwalk, CT, US: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/13104-016
Psychological tests are devices used to measure and predict human behavior. They measure both the capability of individuals to perform certain tasks and the potential of individuals to benefit from various types of training. Such information is often of practical use. Besides their practical functions psychological tests serve to extend our knowledge of human behavior by measuring human capacities so that we can better study their development and composition. In order to perform these functions tests must have certain characteristics. These characteristics are presented in detail in this chapter. All points are illustrated by the most widely used and generally interesting of measures--the intelligence test. The self-teaching review includes the following specific areas: aptitude and achievement tests; intelligence; the nature-nurture controversy; the genius and the gifted; intellectual talent and society; the components of intelligence; and the characteristics of a useful psychological test. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)