In the late 19th century, psychology emerged as a discipline
distinct from philosophy, accompanied by increased efforts to measure and
classify human behavior. Psychological testing is one way to measure
psychological constructs and behavior. The creation of psychological tests has
been fueled by the need for mental health diagnosis and for occupational,
educational, and military selection. The invention of new statistical
techniques, such as factor analysis and item response theory, has led to
improvements in the structure and utility of tests.
To prepare for this Discussion, select two events from the
timeline of tests and measurement history. Research the events you selected and
consider how they influenced the development of tests and measurement.