Validity
to the extent that it measures what it claims to measure
Reliability
to the extent that it yields consistent, repeatable results
Clinical utility
improves delivery of services or client outcome
Convergent validity
correlates with other techniques that measure the same thing
Discriminant validity
does not correlate with techniques that measure something else
Test-retest reliability
yields similar results across multiple administrations at different times
Interrater reliability
yields similar results across different administrators
Internal reliability
consists of items that are consistent with one another
Quieting yourself
the quieting of the interviewer’s internal, self-directed thinking pattern
Being self-aware
the interviewer’s ability to know how they tend to affect others interpersonally and how others tend to relate to them—in short, how they “come across,” or the type of initial impression they tend to make on people
Developing positive working relationships
a method of approaching interviews in which attentive listening, appropriate empathy, genuine respect, and cultural competence play significant roles; a function of the interviewer’s attitude and actions
Listening
an interviewer’s primary task that can be broken down into the fundamental building blocks of attending behaviors
Attending behaviors
the building blocks of attentive listening that include eye contact, body language, vocal qualities, verbal tracking, using the client’s proper name, and observing client behavior
Verbal tracking
the monitoring of the train of thought implied by patterns of statements, allowing smooth shifts between topics
Rapport
refers to a positive, comfortable relationship between interviewer and client
technique
what an interviewer does with clients
directive
get exactly the information they need by asking clients specifically for it. Directive questions tend to be targeted toward specific pieces of information, and client responses are typically brief, sometimes as short as a single word
non-directive
a style interviewers use that allows the client to determine the course of the interview
Expansion on any essential information
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Open-ended question
a question that allows for individualized and spontaneous responses from clients that are relatively long, and may lack details that are important to the clinical psychologist
Closed-ended question
a question that allows for far less elaboration and self-expression by the client but yield quick and precise answers
Clarification
a type of question that makes sure the interviewer has an accurate understanding of the client’s comments; it enhances the interviewer’s ability to “get it,” and communicates to the client that the interviewer is actively listening and processing what the client says
Sometimes, however, it is better to wait than to immediately demand clarification
Confrontation
used when they notice discrepancies or inconsistencies in a client’s comments
reflection of feeling
a statement that echoes the client’s emotions intended to make clients feel that their emotions are recognized, even if their comments did not explicitly include labels of their feelings
Maintains conversation by assuring the client the interviewer is paying attention and comprehending
Summarizing
a point normally at the end of the interview that involves tying together various topics that may have been discussed, connecting statements that may have been made at different points, and identifying themes that have recurred during the interview
