4902 - STANDARDIZATION CHALLENGES THE USE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS AND MEASURES IN ARAB COUNTRIES

Session: 4900 - PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES IN THE ARAB WORLD: CHALLENGES AND OBSTACLES
AUTHORS:
Benyahia Houda (Tunisian Psychological Association ~ Tunis ~ Tunisia)
Abstract text:
The theoretical and practical professional expertise of psychologists must encompass several areas: diagnostic, developmental, familial, environmental, cognitive, affective, cultural, and social aspects of the individual. This expertise includes various aspects of the psychological assessment. Consequently, the practice of psychological assessment in Arab countries faces several levels of difficulty and bias in the use of French- or English-language based psychological tests. Practicing psychologists in Arab countries have access to tests developed in European and/or American sociocultural contexts. However, the use of these tests raises questions for psychologists regarding the administration, analysis, and interpretation of results, given that the reference norms are established in the countries of origin. European and American linguistic and cultural references, along with school curricula and educational programs, form a key basis for neuropsychological and intelligence testing. The standardization of psychological tests in Arab countries faces significant methodological, linguistic, and cultural challenges. While significant efforts have been made to adapt and standardize psychological tests in Arab countries, several challenges remain, related to linguistic diversity, sample representativeness, and the methodologies employed. The future of psychological test standardization in the region depends on increased investment in local research and the harmonization of practices with
international standards.