6 ECTS credits
150 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4003709ENR for all students in the 1st semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
Psychodiagnostic assessment of behavior, personality and psychopathology is framed within a hypothesis-based model fulfilling fundamental conditions (ethical, deontological, critically reflecting, evidence-based). Fundamental questions in clinical psychodiagnostics (analysis of complaints, problems, explanation and indication) are answered applying the steps of the diagnostic cycle:
1) formulating hypotheses and assessment criteria, 2) selection of reliable and valid instruments to test the hypotheses, 3) evaluation of hypotheses in light of the test results, 4) indication of goal for treatment), and 5) integrated assessment report of conclusions with focus on indication.
Theory: The above-mentioned learning contents are discussed and illustrated with case examples.
WPO: Students go through the diagnostic cycle with a case and work on a task they will finalize consisting of written feedback using an integrative report with findings of the psychodiagnostic process and a reflection on verbal feedback of the psychodiagnostic findings to the patient/client.
Possible forms of HOC/WPO are on campus and/or live stream and/or recorded lessons.
The hours below are indicative for regular students:
HOC 24 hours, WPO 12 hours, ZELF 30 hours
Buy your handbook only at the VUB Standaard studentshop to have the most recent edition. Consult the course section on the learning platform for more information or other course material.
This course cannot be followed remotely .
The student has knowledge of and insight into clinical psychodiagnostics in adults.
The student is able to implement the psychodiagnostic process (from intake to report) in a scientifically substantiated manner and to assess the psychodiagnostics of clinical cases in their totality.
The student acquires the required knowledge to gain insight into the conditions for high-quality psychodiagnostics, taking into account an evidence-based approach, a hypothesis-testing model, and a deontological framework.
On the basis of casus’ material, the student can formulate and answer fundamental clinical questions (recognition, explanation, prediction, indication), select reliable and valid instruments and set up criteria to test the hypotheses, interpret test results, evaluate hypotheses in the light of the test results, to describe the integrative interplay of psychological (dis) functioning in different domains (biological, psychological, social) and to present the result of the psychodiagnostic process integratively in an integrated decision and to report to clients.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
SELF Report determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the SELF Report category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Task: integrative written report with conclusion of the psychodiagnostic cycle + reflection on feedback to the client/patient.
Check class session and learning platform for deadlines and guidelines! If a deadline is not respected or the task is incomplete, the task will automatically not be graded until the next exam period in the next session (second exam session or next academic year) and no total score will be granted. Always keep a complete copy of the task as handed in.
Sharing personal data or sensitive information with AI tools poses a privacy risk. Some AI services store entered data for further training purposes. Thus, the case for the task should not be shared with AI to prevent dissemination of the case and personal data. However, the use of generative AI is allowed within this course to support in any way possible for parts that do not include the case (e.g., as a search engine for treatment indications; note AI generated information may contain errors and should not be used without critical review, also always perform your own analysis based on evidence-based sources). Any use of generative AI should be indicated and cited appropriately (use APA style).
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Psychology: Clinical Psychology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Teaching in Behavioural Sciences: psychologie (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)