PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING AND DATA ANALYSIS

Channel 1
LINA PEZZUTI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
General Objectives The course aims to provide students with both theoretical and practical skills related to the use of psychological tests in forensic settings. Tools for the assessment of intelligence and personality will be explored in depth, with a focus on professional application contexts, methods of administration, scoring, and interpretation. The course also aims to develop competencies in the analysis of psychological data and in the evaluation of the psychometric properties of assessment tools, through the use of statistical software (Jamovi) and the application of the principles of Classical Test Theory. Specific Objectives By the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of the main cognitive and personality tests used in clinical and forensic contexts. They will be able to consciously select and apply psychodiagnostic tools, correctly interpreting the results based on the evaluation objectives. Additionally, they will be able to use statistical tools to analyze and evaluate the metric properties of tests and effectively communicate evaluation results to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. Finally, they will have developed a solid foundation to independently deepen their understanding of psychometric and evaluative topics in professional and research settings. The course is organized into two main thematic areas, which are closely integrated: on one hand, the presentation of the main tests used in psychological assessment within forensic contexts; on the other, the acquisition of psychometric and statistical skills necessary to understand how these tools work and how to use them appropriately. The teaching activities will alternate between theoretical lessons and practical exercises, including the use of data analysis software. a) Psychological Testing in Legal, Forensic, and Criminological Contexts (32 hours) This part of the course is dedicated to the presentation and use of the main testing tools employed in the Italian forensic context. Both cognitive and personality tests will be analyzed from theoretical and practical perspectives. Numerous practical exercises are planned to support the development of operational skills in managing protocols and drafting clinical-forensic reports. Topics include: • Introduction to the role of psychological testing in forensic assessment: purposes, application areas, ethical and methodological considerations. • Presentation of the main cognitive and intellectual assessment tools: o Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) o Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales – Second Edition (RIAS-2) o Comprehensive Test of Nonverbal Intelligence – Second Edition (CTONI-2) o Raven’s Progressive Matrices – Second Edition (Raven’s 2) • Analysis of simulated cases: exercises on completing scoring protocols and drafting psychological test reports. • Presentation of the main tools for personality assessment in forensic contexts: o Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2, MMPI-RF) o Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) o Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) • Practical applications and analysis of simulated cases: exercises on scoring protocols, report writing, profile interpretation, and the drafting of clinical and/or forensic reports (with case discussions). 2. Foundations of Data Analysis for the Use of Psychological Tests (24 hours) This section focuses on fundamental psychometric and statistical aspects necessary to understand the structure and properties of psychological tests. Teaching activities also include guided use of the Jamovi software for data analysis, with examples drawn from test manuals and applied case studies. Topics include: • Recap of Classical Test Theory: o Concepts of reliability and validity o Item analysis o Standard error of measurement o Standardized and normative scores • Review of descriptive statistics: o Measures of central tendency and dispersion o Shape of distribution o Normal distribution • Review of inferential statistics: o Null and alternative hypotheses o Inference on means and frequencies o Correlation coefficients • Study of psychological test validity through multiple linear regression models • Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) for the study of the dimensionality of psychological tests.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with the fundamentals of basic psychometric statistics (e.g., measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, descriptive and inferential statistics) represents a factor that promotes learning. Finally, it is helpful to have consolidated preliminary skills in the administration and interpretation of psychodiagnostic tools, acquired during the undergraduate degree program. At the beginning of the course, students will also receive instructions for taking self-assessment tests on prerequisite knowledge; these tests are intended solely for orientation purposes and do not affect the final evaluation in any way.
Books
For the “Psychological Tests in Legal, Forensic, and Criminology” part of the course: • Pezzuti, L., & Lauriola, M. (a cura di). (in corso di stampa). I test psicologici: Principi, applicazioni, contesti professionali. Carocci Editore. Cap. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 15. For the “Fundamentals of Data Analysis for the Use of Psychological Tests” portion of the course. Chirumbolo, A., Chirico, A., Ghezzi, V. & Lauriola, M. (a cura di). (in preparazione). Psicometria e Analisi dei Dati con Jamovi. Pearson Editore. Cap. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 For both parts of the course: Slides and materials made available by faculty on e-learning
Frequency
Although attendance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended, as the teaching activities are structured to integrate theoretical content, practical exercises, case discussions, and analysis of real and/or simulated data. Active participation in the classroom represents a key opportunity to gain familiarity with the tools, procedures, and methods that will be assessed in the final exam. Consistent attendance also allows students to benefit from guided exercises using the Jamovi software and from hands-on activities related to the drafting of psychological test reports—central components for developing the applied skills targeted by the course.
Exam mode
Learning will be assessed through a single written exam, with a total duration of 90 minutes. The exam may be taken during the various exam sessions of the current academic year, based on the dates set by the Teaching Secretariat in accordance with the university’s academic calendar. The exam is structured to reflect the internal organization of the course, which is divided into two main thematic areas: the first focused on the knowledge and use of cognitive and personality tests in forensic settings; the second focused on the elements of data analysis necessary to understand the psychometric foundations of psychological tools. The purpose of the exam is to assess, in an integrated way, theoretical knowledge, applied competencies, the ability to critically interpret data, and the appropriate use of technical language. It consists of three parts: 1. The first part of the exam assesses the knowledge acquired throughout the entire course. This section consists of sixteen multiple-choice questions, each with four answer options, only one of which is correct (no penalty is applied for incorrect answers). This part is designed to verify mastery of the essential theoretical and methodological knowledge and contributes up to 16 points toward the final grade. 2. The second part of the exam focuses on the student’s ability to articulate and support their knowledge in an argumentative format. It includes two open-ended questions related to the part of the course concerning cognitive and non-cognitive psychological tests. Students are required to critically discuss the use of these tools in specific applied contexts, explain the criteria for selecting a test, or compare different diagnostic instruments. Students must demonstrate not only knowledge of the content but also the ability to select, organize, and communicate it clearly, coherently, and in a professionally appropriate manner. Each answer will be evaluated based on completeness, conceptual accuracy, and use of technical language. Each response may earn up to 3 points, for a total of 6 points. 3. The third and final part focuses on the area of data analysis. In this section, students will be asked to complete several practical exercises based on real outputs generated with the Jamovi software. These may include interpreting the results of a multiple regression analysis, commenting on the outcomes of an exploratory factor analysis, scoring a standardized score, etc. This section aims to assess quantitative application skills and can contribute up to 10 points to the final grade. The overall evaluation of the exam will be expressed on a 30-point scale, with a passing grade set at 18/30. The highest scores will be awarded to students who demonstrate theoretical mastery, clarity of exposition, methodological precision, and critical autonomy in data interpretation. Honors (cum laude) may be awarded for outstanding performance across all sections of the exam. There are no mandatory intermediate tests. However, throughout the course, students will be offered several practical exercises and simulations, which can be used as tools for preparation and self-assessment.
Lesson mode
Lectures will be held weekly according to the schedule established by the Degree Program, in-person in the classroom. The course is designed to progressively integrate theoretical and practical aspects: psychometric concepts will be presented alongside their direct application using materials from test manuals and simulated cases, with the goal of fostering the acquisition of practical skills. Teaching activities will be supported by digital materials, guided exercises, and software resources, all available on the course's online platform. Any changes to the course delivery, including those related to health or organizational needs, will be promptly communicated through the official channels of the Department and the Degree Program.
VALERIO GHEZZI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
General Objectives The course aims to provide students with both theoretical and practical skills related to the use of psychological tests in forensic settings. Tools for the assessment of intelligence and personality will be explored in depth, with a focus on professional application contexts, methods of administration, scoring, and interpretation. The course also aims to develop competencies in the analysis of psychological data and in the evaluation of the psychometric properties of assessment tools, through the use of statistical software (Jamovi) and the application of the principles of Classical Test Theory. Specific Objectives By the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of the main cognitive and personality tests used in clinical and forensic contexts. They will be able to consciously select and apply psychodiagnostic tools, correctly interpreting the results based on the evaluation objectives. Additionally, they will be able to use statistical tools to analyze and evaluate the metric properties of tests and effectively communicate evaluation results to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. Finally, they will have developed a solid foundation to independently deepen their understanding of psychometric and evaluative topics in professional and research settings. The course is organized into two main thematic areas, which are closely integrated: on one hand, the presentation of the main tests used in psychological assessment within forensic contexts; on the other, the acquisition of psychometric and statistical skills necessary to understand how these tools work and how to use them appropriately. The teaching activities will alternate between theoretical lessons and practical exercises, including the use of data analysis software. a) Psychological Testing in Legal, Forensic, and Criminological Contexts (32 hours) This part of the course is dedicated to the presentation and use of the main testing tools employed in the Italian forensic context. Both cognitive and personality tests will be analyzed from theoretical and practical perspectives. Numerous practical exercises are planned to support the development of operational skills in managing protocols and drafting clinical-forensic reports. Topics include: • Introduction to the role of psychological testing in forensic assessment: purposes, application areas, ethical and methodological considerations. • Presentation of the main cognitive and intellectual assessment tools: o Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) o Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales – Second Edition (RIAS-2) o Comprehensive Test of Nonverbal Intelligence – Second Edition (CTONI-2) o Raven’s Progressive Matrices – Second Edition (Raven’s 2) • Analysis of simulated cases: exercises on completing scoring protocols and drafting psychological test reports. • Presentation of the main tools for personality assessment in forensic contexts: o Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2, MMPI-RF) o Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) o Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) • Practical applications and analysis of simulated cases: exercises on scoring protocols, report writing, profile interpretation, and the drafting of clinical and/or forensic reports (with case discussions). 2. Foundations of Data Analysis for the Use of Psychological Tests (24 hours) This section focuses on fundamental psychometric and statistical aspects necessary to understand the structure and properties of psychological tests. Teaching activities also include guided use of the Jamovi software for data analysis, with examples drawn from test manuals and applied case studies. Topics include: • Recap of Classical Test Theory: o Concepts of reliability and validity o Item analysis o Standard error of measurement o Standardized and normative scores • Review of descriptive statistics: o Measures of central tendency and dispersion o Shape of distribution o Normal distribution • Review of inferential statistics: o Null and alternative hypotheses o Inference on means and frequencies o Correlation coefficients • Study of psychological test validity through multiple linear regression models • Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) for the study of the dimensionality of psychological tests.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with the fundamentals of basic psychometric statistics (e.g., measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, descriptive and inferential statistics) represents a factor that promotes learning. Finally, it is helpful to have consolidated preliminary skills in the administration and interpretation of psychodiagnostic tools, acquired during the undergraduate degree program. At the beginning of the course, students will also receive instructions for taking self-assessment tests on prerequisite knowledge; these tests are intended solely for orientation purposes and do not affect the final evaluation in any way.
Books
For the course section "Psychological Testing in Legal, Forensic, and Criminological Contexts": Pezzuti, L., & Lauriola, M. (Eds.). (in press). I test psicologici: Principi, applicazioni, contesti professionali. Carocci Editore. Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 15 must be studied for the exam. For the course section "Foundations of Data Analysis for the Use of Psychological Tests": Chirumbolo, A., Chirico, A., Ghezzi, V., & Lauriola, M. (Eds.). (in preparation). Psicometria e Analisi dei Dati con Jamovi. Pearson Editore. Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 must be studied for the exam. For both parts of the course: Slides and other materials made available by the instructors on the e-learning platform are also required.
Frequency
Although attendance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended, as the teaching activities are structured to integrate theoretical content, practical exercises, case discussions, and analysis of real and/or simulated data. Active participation in the classroom represents a key opportunity to gain familiarity with the tools, procedures, and methods that will be assessed in the final exam. Consistent attendance also allows students to benefit from guided exercises using the Jamovi software and from hands-on activities related to the drafting of psychological test reports—central components for developing the applied skills targeted by the course.
Exam mode
Learning will be assessed through a single written exam, with a total duration of 90 minutes. The exam may be taken during the various exam sessions of the current academic year, based on the dates set by the Teaching Secretariat in accordance with the university’s academic calendar. The exam is structured to reflect the internal organization of the course, which is divided into two main thematic areas: the first focused on the knowledge and use of cognitive and personality tests in forensic settings; the second focused on the elements of data analysis necessary to understand the psychometric foundations of psychological tools. The purpose of the exam is to assess, in an integrated way, theoretical knowledge, applied competencies, the ability to critically interpret data, and the appropriate use of technical language. It consists of three parts: 1. The first part of the exam assesses the knowledge acquired throughout the entire course. This section consists of sixteen multiple-choice questions, each with four answer options, only one of which is correct (no penalty is applied for incorrect answers). This part is designed to verify mastery of the essential theoretical and methodological knowledge and contributes up to 16 points toward the final grade. 2. The second part of the exam focuses on the student’s ability to articulate and support their knowledge in an argumentative format. It includes two open-ended questions related to the part of the course concerning cognitive and non-cognitive psychological tests. Students are required to critically discuss the use of these tools in specific applied contexts, explain the criteria for selecting a test, or compare different diagnostic instruments. Students must demonstrate not only knowledge of the content but also the ability to select, organize, and communicate it clearly, coherently, and in a professionally appropriate manner. Each answer will be evaluated based on completeness, conceptual accuracy, and use of technical language. Each response may earn up to 3 points, for a total of 6 points. 3. The third and final part focuses on the area of data analysis. In this section, students will be asked to complete several practical exercises based on real outputs generated with the Jamovi software. These may include interpreting the results of a multiple regression analysis, commenting on the outcomes of an exploratory factor analysis, scoring a standardized score, etc. This section aims to assess quantitative application skills and can contribute up to 10 points to the final grade. The overall evaluation of the exam will be expressed on a 30-point scale, with a passing grade set at 18/30. The highest scores will be awarded to students who demonstrate theoretical mastery, clarity of exposition, methodological precision, and critical autonomy in data interpretation. Honors (cum laude) may be awarded for outstanding performance across all sections of the exam. There are no mandatory intermediate tests. However, throughout the course, students will be offered several practical exercises and simulations, which can be used as tools for preparation and self-assessment. The exam is conducted jointly for both groups A–L and M–Z, with the same test on the same date. No distinction is made between the two groups in terms of exam content, date, or format.
Lesson mode
Lectures will be held weekly according to the schedule established by the Degree Program, in-person in the classroom. The course is designed to progressively integrate theoretical and practical aspects: psychometric concepts will be presented alongside their direct application using materials from test manuals and simulated cases, with the goal of fostering the acquisition of practical skills. Teaching activities will be supported by digital materials, guided exercises, and software resources, all available on the course's online platform. Any changes to the course delivery, including those related to health or organizational needs, will be promptly communicated through the official channels of the Department and the Degree Program.
Channel 2
DAIANA COLLEDANI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
General Objectives The course aims to provide students with both theoretical and practical skills related to the use of psychological tests in forensic settings. Tools for the assessment of intelligence and personality will be explored in depth, with a focus on professional application contexts, methods of administration, scoring, and interpretation. The course also aims to develop competencies in the analysis of psychological data and in the evaluation of the psychometric properties of assessment tools, through the use of statistical software (Jamovi) and the application of the principles of Classical Test Theory. Specific Objectives By the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of the main cognitive and personality tests used in clinical and forensic contexts. They will be able to consciously select and apply psychodiagnostic tools, correctly interpreting the results based on the evaluation objectives. Additionally, they will be able to use statistical tools to analyze and evaluate the metric properties of tests and effectively communicate evaluation results to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. Finally, they will have developed a solid foundation to independently deepen their understanding of psychometric and evaluative topics in professional and research settings. The course is organized into two main thematic areas, which are closely integrated: on one hand, the presentation of the main tests used in psychological assessment within forensic contexts; on the other, the acquisition of psychometric and statistical skills necessary to understand how these tools work and how to use them appropriately. The teaching activities will alternate between theoretical lessons and practical exercises, including the use of data analysis software. ________________________________________ a) Psychological Testing in Legal, Forensic, and Criminological Contexts (32 hours) This part of the course is dedicated to the presentation and use of the main testing tools employed in the Italian forensic context. Both cognitive and personality tests will be analyzed from theoretical and practical perspectives. Numerous practical exercises are planned to support the development of operational skills in managing protocols and drafting clinical-forensic reports. Topics include: • Introduction to the role of psychological testing in forensic assessment: purposes, application areas, ethical and methodological considerations. • Presentation of the main cognitive and intellectual assessment tools: o Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) o Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales – Second Edition (RIAS-2) o Comprehensive Test of Nonverbal Intelligence – Second Edition (CTONI-2) o Raven’s Progressive Matrices – Second Edition (Raven’s 2) • Analysis of simulated cases: exercises on completing scoring protocols and drafting psychological test reports. • Presentation of the main tools for personality assessment in forensic contexts: o Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2, MMPI-RF) o Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) o Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) • Practical applications and analysis of simulated cases: exercises on scoring protocols, report writing, profile interpretation, and the drafting of clinical and/or forensic reports (with case discussions). 2. Foundations of Data Analysis for the Use of Psychological Tests (24 hours) This section focuses on fundamental psychometric and statistical aspects necessary to understand the structure and properties of psychological tests. Teaching activities also include guided use of the Jamovi software for data analysis, with examples drawn from test manuals and applied case studies. Topics include: • Recap of Classical Test Theory: o Concepts of reliability and validity o Item analysis o Standard error of measurement o Standardized and normative scores • Review of descriptive statistics: o Measures of central tendency and dispersion o Shape of distribution o Normal distribution • Review of inferential statistics: o Null and alternative hypotheses o Inference on means and frequencies o Correlation coefficients • Study of psychological test validity through multiple linear regression models • Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) for the study of the dimensionality of psychological tests.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of the principles of basic psychometric statistics (e.g., measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, descriptive and inferential statistics) can be considered a facilitating factor in the acquisition of the course content. In addition, it is advantageous for students to consolidate preliminary skills in the administration and interpretation of psychodiagnostic instruments acquired during their undergraduate studies. At the beginning of the course, students will also be invited to take self-assessment tests of their prerequisites; these tests are intended exclusively for self-evaluation purposes and will not influence the final evaluation in any way.
Books
For the course section “I test psicologici in ambito giuridico, forense, e criminologico”: • Pezzuti, L., & Lauriola, M. (Eds.). (in press). I test psicologici: Principi, applicazioni, contesti professionali. Carocci Publisher. Chapters 1, 2, 5, 6, and 15 must be studied for the exam. For the course section “Fondamenti di analisi dei dati per l’uso dei test psicologici”: • Chirumbolo, A., Chirico, A., Ghezzi, V. & Lauriola, M. (Eds.). (in preparation). Psicometria e Analisi dei Dati con Jamovi. Pearson Publisher. Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 must be studied for the exam. For both parts of the course: Slides and materials provided by the instructors on e-learning.
Frequency
Although attendance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended, as the teaching activities are structured to integrate theoretical content, practical exercises, case discussions, and analysis of real and/or simulated data. Active participation in the classroom represents a key opportunity to gain familiarity with the tools, procedures, and methods that will be assessed in the final exam. Consistent attendance also allows students to benefit from guided exercises using the Jamovi software and from hands-on activities related to the drafting of psychological test reports—central components for developing the applied skills targeted by the course.
Exam mode
Learning will be assessed through a single written exam, with a total duration of 90 minutes. The exam may be taken during the various exam sessions of the current academic year, based on the dates set by the Teaching Secretariat in accordance with the university’s academic calendar. The exam is structured to reflect the internal organization of the course, which is divided into two main thematic areas: the first focused on the knowledge and use of cognitive and personality tests in forensic settings; the second focused on the elements of data analysis necessary to understand the psychometric foundations of psychological tools. The examination is conducted jointly with the same test on the same date for both groups A-L and M-Z. There is no distinction between the two groups regarding content, date, or the administration of the examination. The purpose of the exam is to assess, in an integrated way, theoretical knowledge, applied competencies, the ability to critically interpret data, and the appropriate use of technical language. It consists of three parts: 1. The first part of the exam assesses the knowledge acquired throughout the entire course. This section consists of sixteen multiple-choice questions, each with four answer options, only one of which is correct (no penalty is applied for incorrect answers). This part is designed to verify mastery of the essential theoretical and methodological knowledge and contributes up to 16 points toward the final grade. 2. The second part of the exam focuses on the student’s ability to articulate and support their knowledge in an argumentative format. It includes two open-ended questions related to the part of the course concerning cognitive and non-cognitive psychological tests. Students are required to critically discuss the use of these tools in specific applied contexts, explain the criteria for selecting a test, or compare different diagnostic instruments. Students must demonstrate not only knowledge of the content but also the ability to select, organize, and communicate it clearly, coherently, and in a professionally appropriate manner. Each answer will be evaluated based on completeness, conceptual accuracy, and use of technical language. Each response may earn up to 3 points, for a total of 6 points. 3. The third and final part focuses on the area of data analysis. In this section, students will be asked to complete several practical exercises based on real outputs generated with the Jamovi software. These may include interpreting the results of a multiple regression analysis, commenting on the outcomes of an exploratory factor analysis, scoring a standardized score, etc. This section aims to assess quantitative application skills and can contribute up to 10 points to the final grade. The overall evaluation of the exam will be expressed on a 30-point scale, with a passing grade set at 18/30. The highest scores will be awarded to students who demonstrate theoretical mastery, clarity of exposition, methodological precision, and critical autonomy in data interpretation. Honors (cum laude) may be awarded for outstanding performance across all sections of the exam. There are no mandatory intermediate tests. However, throughout the course, students will be offered several practical exercises and simulations, which can be used as tools for preparation and self-assessment.
Lesson mode
Lectures will be held weekly according to the schedule established by the Degree Program, in-person in the classroom. The course is designed to progressively integrate theoretical and practical aspects: psychometric concepts will be presented alongside their direct application using materials from test manuals and simulated cases, with the goal of fostering the acquisition of practical skills. Teaching activities will be supported by digital materials, guided exercises, and software resources, all available on the course's online platform. Any changes to the course delivery, including those related to health or organizational needs, will be promptly communicated through the official channels of the Department and the Degree Program.
CLAUDIO BARBARANELLI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
General Objectives The course aims to provide students with both theoretical and practical skills related to the use of psychological tests in forensic settings. Tools for the assessment of intelligence and personality will be explored in depth, with a focus on professional application contexts, methods of administration, scoring, and interpretation. The course also aims to develop competencies in the analysis of psychological data and in the evaluation of the psychometric properties of assessment tools, through the use of statistical software (Jamovi) and the application of the principles of Classical Test Theory. Specific Objectives By the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of the main cognitive and personality tests used in clinical and forensic contexts. They will be able to consciously select and apply psychodiagnostic tools, correctly interpreting the results based on the evaluation objectives. Additionally, they will be able to use statistical tools to analyze and evaluate the metric properties of tests and effectively communicate evaluation results to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. Finally, they will have developed a solid foundation to independently deepen their understanding of psychometric and evaluative topics in professional and research settings. The course is organized into two main thematic areas, which are closely integrated: on one hand, the presentation of the main tests used in psychological assessment within forensic contexts; on the other, the acquisition of psychometric and statistical skills necessary to understand how these tools work and how to use them appropriately. The teaching activities will alternate between theoretical lessons and practical exercises, including the use of data analysis software. a) Psychological Testing in Legal, Forensic, and Criminological Contexts (32 hours) This part of the course is dedicated to the presentation and use of the main testing tools employed in the Italian forensic context. Both cognitive and personality tests will be analyzed from theoretical and practical perspectives. Numerous practical exercises are planned to support the development of operational skills in managing protocols and drafting clinical-forensic reports. Topics include: • Introduction to the role of psychological testing in forensic assessment: purposes, application areas, ethical and methodological considerations. • Presentation of the main cognitive and intellectual assessment tools: o Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) o Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales – Second Edition (RIAS-2) o Comprehensive Test of Nonverbal Intelligence – Second Edition (CTONI-2) o Raven’s Progressive Matrices – Second Edition (Raven’s 2) • Analysis of simulated cases: exercises on completing scoring protocols and drafting psychological test reports. • Presentation of the main tools for personality assessment in forensic contexts: o Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2, MMPI-RF) o Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) o Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) • Practical applications and analysis of simulated cases: exercises on scoring protocols, report writing, profile interpretation, and the drafting of clinical and/or forensic reports (with case discussions). b) Foundations of Data Analysis for the Use of Psychological Tests (24 hours) This section focuses on fundamental psychometric and statistical aspects necessary to understand the structure and properties of psychological tests. Teaching activities also include guided use of the Jamovi software for data analysis, with examples drawn from test manuals and applied case studies. Topics include: • Recap of Classical Test Theory: o Concepts of reliability and validity o Item analysis o Standard error of measurement o Standardized and normative scores • Review of descriptive statistics: o Measures of central tendency and dispersion o Shape of distribution o Normal distribution • Review of inferential statistics: o Null and alternative hypotheses o Inference on means and frequencies o Correlation coefficients • Study of psychological test validity through multiple linear regression models • Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) for the study of the dimensionality of psychological tests.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with the fundamentals of basic psychometric statistics (e.g., measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, descriptive and inferential statistics) represents a factor that promotes learning. Finally, it is helpful to have consolidated preliminary skills in the administration and interpretation of psychodiagnostic tools, acquired during the undergraduate degree program. At the beginning of the course, students will also receive instructions for taking self-assessment tests on prerequisite knowledge; these tests are intended solely for orientation purposes and do not affect the final evaluation in any way.
Books
• Pezzuti, L., & Lauriola, M. (a cura di). (in press). I test psicologici: Principi, applicazioni, contesti professionali. Carocci Editore. Chapters 1, 2,3,4, 5, 6, 7,8,15. • Chirumbolo, A., Chirico, A., Ghezzi, V. & Lauriola, M. (a cura di). (in preparation). Psicometria e Analisi dei Dati con Jamovi. Pearson Editore. Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 Slides and other material will be make available on the elearning page of the course
Frequency
Although attendance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended, as the teaching activities are structured to integrate theoretical content, practical exercises, case discussions, and analysis of real and/or simulated data. Active participation in the classroom represents a key opportunity to gain familiarity with the tools, procedures, and methods that will be assessed in the final exam. Consistent attendance also allows students to benefit from guided exercises using the Jamovi software and from hands-on activities related to the drafting of psychological test reports—central components for developing the applied skills targeted by the course.
Exam mode
Learning will be assessed through a single written exam, with a total duration of 90 minutes. The exam may be taken during the various exam sessions of the current academic year, based on the dates set by the Teaching Secretariat in accordance with the university’s academic calendar. The exam is structured to reflect the internal organization of the course, which is divided into two main thematic areas: the first focused on the knowledge and use of cognitive and personality tests in forensic settings; the second focused on the elements of data analysis necessary to understand the psychometric foundations of psychological tools. The purpose of the exam is to assess, in an integrated way, theoretical knowledge, applied competencies, the ability to critically interpret data, and the appropriate use of technical language. It consists of three parts: 1. The first part of the exam assesses the knowledge acquired throughout the entire course. This section consists of sixteen multiple-choice questions, each with four answer options, only one of which is correct (no penalty is applied for incorrect answers). This part is designed to verify mastery of the essential theoretical and methodological knowledge and contributes up to 16 points toward the final grade. 2. The second part of the exam focuses on the student’s ability to articulate and support their knowledge in an argumentative format. It includes two open-ended questions related to the part of the course concerning cognitive and non-cognitive psychological tests. Students are required to critically discuss the use of these tools in specific applied contexts, explain the criteria for selecting a test, or compare different diagnostic instruments. Students must demonstrate not only knowledge of the content but also the ability to select, organize, and communicate it clearly, coherently, and in a professionally appropriate manner. Each answer will be evaluated based on completeness, conceptual accuracy, and use of technical language. Each response may earn up to 3 points, for a total of 6 points. 3. The third and final part focuses on the area of data analysis. In this section, students will be asked to complete several practical exercises based on real outputs generated with the Jamovi software. These may include interpreting the results of a multiple regression analysis, commenting on the outcomes of an exploratory factor analysis, scoring a standardized score, etc. This section aims to assess quantitative application skills and can contribute up to 10 points to the final grade. The overall evaluation of the exam will be expressed on a 30-point scale, with a passing grade set at 18/30. The highest scores will be awarded to students who demonstrate theoretical mastery, clarity of exposition, methodological precision, and critical autonomy in data interpretation. Honors (cum laude) may be awarded for outstanding performance across all sections of the exam. There are no mandatory intermediate tests. However, throughout the course, students will be offered several practical exercises and simulations, which can be used as tools for preparation and self-assessment.
Lesson mode
The course is delivered through three main methods: Synchronous teaching, i.e. live lessons, webinars and online meetings that allow immediate interaction between teachers and students; Asynchronous teaching, i.e. video lessons, audiovisual materials and documents that can be consulted at any time, to encourage flexible and independent study; Interactive teaching with individual and group practical activities. Lectures will be held weekly according to the schedule established by the Degree Program, in-person in the classroom. The course is designed to progressively integrate theoretical and practical aspects: psychometric concepts will be presented alongside their direct application using materials from test manuals and simulated cases, with the goal of fostering the acquisition of practical skills. Teaching activities will be supported by digital materials, guided exercises, and software resources, all available on the course's online platform. Any changes to the course delivery, including those related to health or organizational needs, will be promptly communicated through the official channels of the Department and the Degree Program.
  • Lesson code10621485
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseLegal, Forensic and Criminological Psychology
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDM-PSI/03
  • CFU6
  • Subject areaAttività formative affini o integrative