Study Programmes 2015-2016
PSYC1008-3  
Practice of observation, examination and interview techniques
Duration :
45h Pr
Number of credits :
Bachelor in psychology and education : general3
Bachelor in psychology and education : general3
Lecturer :
Sylvie Willems
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
All year long, with partial in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
The course aims to give to the students the basic information regarding the organization of the psychological examination, the way to use standardized tools, the use of the tables, methodology of observation, the way to conduct an interview with a person.




  • Psychological examination : From the data collection to the delivery of the conclusions.
  • Interview : Listening, examining the demand, giving support. Interview tools.
  • Observation: Approach of the reality ; Advantages and limits Validity.
  • Psychometrics examination : he elements that have to be considered for the results' interpretation, taking into account the normative data.
Learning outcomes of the course :
The lecture aims to give to the students the foundations and principles of the psychological examination : testing, interview and observation. The student will be able to gather and analyze useful information in order to conduct an examination. He/she will be able to elaborate a methodological approach by choosing the adequate techniques (testing, observation,...). He/she will be also able to make a first analysis of the results by using correctly the tables and established norms. The student will know the modalities and specific techniques to be used in an interview.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
A good knowledge in statistics and psychometrics is required: it is useful to review your courses of psychostatistics and of introduction to theories and measuring methods in psychological and educational sciences.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
This course is based on Ex cathedra courses, on exercises to be done in small groups , on exercises to perform at distance, and on role plays.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
This course is based on Face-to-face sessions, exercices in e-learning, exercises to perform in groups.
The exercises in e-learning are mandatory (their non-realization leads to the adjournment).
Attendance at the training sessions in group is also mandatory. (2 absence without medical certificate for these sessions results in failure for the current year).

The details and timing will be given during the course.
Recommended or required readings :
Recommended readings will be provided in class.
Assessment methods and criteria :
The assessment in the first session comes from 2 parts:


  • Interview Part (1e semester): A written report for a maximum value of 10 points.
  •    Test Practice Part (2e semester): A written examination for a maximum value of 10 points. (From a clinical vignette, analysis and synthesis and interpretation of clinical data; knowledge of Questions on the course).
A score less than 5/10 to one of these parts automatically lead to fail to the adjournment.
Notes :
1) the e-learning exercises are obligatory (their non-realization leads the ajournenement). Attendance at the exercise sessions in group is required. (2 absence without medical certificate for these sessions results in failure for the current year).
2) Note regarding the lead time of works: The student agrees to meet deadlines for work. During the first session,  for work rendered with a day late, the student will remove one point, 2 points after a week, and 3 points after two weeks.
Second session :


  • Interview Part : if the student obtains a score below 5/10 for written works at the first session; then the student will have an oral examination (10 points).
  •  Test Practice Part : Written examination (10 points)
A score less than 5/10 to one of these parts automatically lead to fail.
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
Students are expected to participate actively, and investment in the various proposed work to improve their clinical skills.
Contacts :
Sylvie Willems : sylvie.willems@ulg.ac.be 04/366.33.59