Social Issues of Multicultural Relations - Research Paper Example

? Multicultural Assessment Multicultural Assessment Societal issues have an effect on the normal operation of human beings. A persons place in the society contributes to the psychological stability or problems that such an individual may encounter in life. Minority in the society are challenged due to their position in the society. Sometimes some minority groups in the society may register psychological problems because of their position in the society. United States of America has a number of minority groups who may face the challenge of upholding their language or culture. Psychologists take their time to study issues that affect their clients using their knowledge in psychology. Intelligence testing is one area in psychology that is widely used in establishing the human abilities. Many inventions in the society rely on the research about the human intelligence in order to come up with a principle that is effective in the society. Renowned psychologist Alfred Binet used developed and used standardized test to study the abilities of the impaired children in Parisian in 1900s. His test has been useful to psychologists since it forms the basis of identification and study of children with mental problems or learning disabilities. In United States, the intelligence test finds its application in various fields. For example, in military, the intelligence testing conducted on military personnel helps in categorizing the military officers according to their abilities. The intelligence test shapes the education system since it has led to development of examinations such SAT, which helps in gauging the ability of the student. Some argument against intelligence testing argues that the test has been equally used in the United States to discriminate against gender, race, culture and class. This leads to minimization of human creativity, practical know-how, character or propagation of a propaganda that some people who are endowed with certain characteristic could or could not perform certain functions. This paper wishes to explore multicultural assessment in the field of intelligence testing and its effects on minority in United States of America. The society needs to understand multicultural differences because it would foster respect for other minorities in the society. Psychological practice should welcome diversity in the society. Guideline about multicultural differences recommends that psychologists should improve their consultation with ethnic minority. Research in cultural practices indicates that an individual who does not appreciate the culture could not understand influence of one’s own training or culture (Dana, 2000). It is advisable that the person conduct investigation on the capability of the individual should involve an individual who understands the culture. This has an influence in the approach that a psychologist should take while handling individual who come from minority groups. Some research in intelligence testing indicates that since 1970s, psychologists who conduct intelligence testing have taken initiative of developing mechanisms that would preserve intelligence testing. In their work, they have tried to address concern about unethical approach towards intelligence testing. Some of intelligence testing methods that psychologists use include Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC). The psychologists have modulated the above tests to suit the ability of the test taker taking care of the cultural diversity, class, language and background. The psychologists have devised ways to interpret the test, which seek to eliminate issues of biasness during the test. Theories relating to the intelligence testing provides a standard approach to intelligence testing. Multicultural society like United States of America has several challenges in achieving its objectives in intelligence testing. This is because of the numerous cultural and ethnic diversity of the American society. Language discrepancy influences the outcome of the intelligence test. Research evidence indicates that effectiveness of the intelligence test rely on the ability of the client and the psychologist to appreciate the use of language and understanding. Some minatory groups in United States still believe in the traditional structures. A bias test would indicate that such individuals are impaired in one are or another. It is wise for the psychologist to practice using their work ethics. Research further indicates that well trained psychologist interpreters would deliver quality service to their clients compared to others. Greater evaluation of the work of psychologist would help in stumping out the vices in practice. Largely, the practice requires individuals who would hold the integrity of the profession without compromising the standards. Some cases that pose challenges require referral before the final decision. This would help to reduce cases of inadequate client attention to by the psychologists. Stanford-Binet test emphasized on the language ability of the individual leading to the question on how effective is the test to a multicultural society. Psychologist David Wechsler noted that Stanford-Binet test would offer unsparing result to a multicultural society since an individual subjected to the test might not be able to prove his or her worthiness in a desired language. Human ability is varied and quite complex. Appreciating facets of human development is vital in testing intelligence of an individual. Wechsler came up with a system that would test the intelligence quotient of an individual by comparing the performance I.Q. of the individual and language abilities. The test reveals problems without any biasness because it takes care of the ability of the individual to perform in the society. Application of assessment techniques in a society like America is very important since it would address the needs of varied client that the psychologist will meet. The interaction approach taken by a psychologist would influence the out come of the test. Facilitation of the assessment process entails an inclusive approach that takes care of diversity in the society. Naturally, a psychologist requires an immediate response from the client. This may not be the case in a society where minority tribes or culture exists. Some social norms may bar an individual from acting in a specific manner making the result of the test difficult to interpret. Development of a culturally diversified approach by the psychologists would help in assessing and making recommendation concerning human abilities. Treatment of clients should hang on the principle, which promotes a personalized approach in handling the client. Another important factor that would influence the administration technique by the psychologist is the relationship between the client and the psychologist (Dana, 2005). Minority groups may not be free tom express their concerns to the psychologist. This feeling influence the result of the intelligence test negatively. Argument against the relationship between the psychologist and clients indicates that minority groups may harbor misgivings or negative attitude towards the psychological assessment. In this case, the result of the psychological assessment would be ineffective because of the mistrust. The need to provide valid information during the assessment is important since it helps in modulating the result of the test. Modulated result would lead to a consistent result thereby providing a just judgment against human abilities. The explanation of the test result to the client is important part of disseminating information. Presentation of information to the client should not include the use of jargons. Some research recommends that presentation of the information should take the oral or written form and should specify the purpose, issues addressed and the duration that the intelligent test would take. Jack Naglieri renowned psychologist from the George Mason University believe that intelligence testing should aim at providing opportunity of helping children who have difficulties in various areas (Benson, 2003). He believes that the tests should work towards improving the learning ability of the child. Naglieri argues that the teachers should adopt intervention methods, which would accommodate the interest of children with diverse needs. Naglieri believes that the test provide a better opportunity for the teachers to give the right instruction to the children. He has argued in some of his articles that the test measures what the traditional systems did not achieve. Psychologist such Nadeen Kaufman argues that intelligence test has two categories neuropsychological bent and educational bent. She believes that the above categories should are not eager to take the intelligence test. Discrepancy in intelligence test has drawn criticism from many psychologists. Psychologists such as Kaufman and Naglieri agree that the discrepancy in the test is not healthy for the American society. They believe that the I.Q. does not provide accurate information because of flaws in it. Both believe that measures are necessary in modulating the practice. The I.Q. testing is quite valid under the hands of qualified psychologists. Critic against the intelligence testing, Professor Patti Harrison argues that the conduct of a child in class is an accurate way of establishing the ability of the child rather than a blind test that may not necessarily give information regarding a child’s conduct (Benson, 2003). The teacher has a lot of information about a child because he spends much time with the child. He believes that the teacher is in a better position of identifying the special needs that a child may require. An in-person discussion between the psychologist and client is a right way of handling and avoiding misinterpretation of information during assessment. Largely, minority groups require special interest and competent psychologist when handling the intelligence test. In conclusion, psychological testing offers an opportunity of identifying the human abilities. Intelligence testing provides information regarding the I.Q. of an individual. Arguments against intelligence testing indicates that some individuals have suffered racial, cultural or language discrimination because of the tests. Largely, conducting of intelligence test among the minority in the United States require an approach that would acknowledge the cultural diversity when handling the test. Psychologists need to understand the multicultural differences in the society in order to offer effective service to their clients. The knowledge about clients’ cultural background would influence the out come of the test result. Handling of psychological issues of minority groups in United States of America should appreciate the cultural diversity that some clients may have. Some cultural beliefs may influence the response that a client may provide to the psychologist. Discrepancy in intelligence testing may result biasness in providing opportunity to the client. For example, when the test does not provide the right information regarding an individual, the individual may miss an important opportunity in the society. Reference Benson, E. (2003). Intelligent intelligence testing. Psychologists are broadening the concept of intelligence and how to test it. American Psychological Association, 34, 48. Retrieved On November 15, 2011, from http://www.apa.org/monitor/feb03/intelligent.aspx Dana, H. R. (2000).Handbook of cross-cultural and multicultural personality assessment. New York: Routledge. Dana, H. R. (2005). Multicultural assessment: principles, applications, and examples. New York: Routledge. Read More