Statement on the conduct of psychologists providing expert psychometric evidence to courts and lawyers
This statement sets out guidance to psychologists and other users of psychological tests concerning obligations when providing evidence or opinion, which rests on the results of psychometric testing.
31 January 2016
Clinical, educational, occupational, counselling, forensic and other applied psychologists often provide expert opinion to courts, tribunals, barristers, solicitors and advocates on the basis of psychometric testing. In addition to their duty to the court, psychologists need also to consider their obligation to the profession and the ethical standards required of those employing psychometric instruments.
These include, for example, ensuring that the expert opinion they provide does not exaggerate the attributes of test materials and that they do not go beyond their level of competence in making any relevant comment. This statement sets out guidance to psychologists and other users of psychological tests concerning their obligations in providing any evidence or opinion which rests on the results of psychometric assessment.