Discuss the sources of influence that must be kept in mind when evaluating assessment findings.

What will be an ideal response?

In the assessment process, information is gathered about the client. A variety of testing procedures may be employed, addressing both the physical and psychosocial status of the client. Assessment data are then used to plan or alter treatment plans. Such data, however, must be interpreted, and the limitations of both the test instruments and the clinician need to be considered during this process. Cultural bias, for example, may be introduced by either a testing instrument or the clinician. In addition, the clinician may tend to interpret information in a manner that is consistent with his or her theoretical orientation, as opposed to striving to take a more objective view of the information presented. There may also be a tendency to focus on the client, as opposed to recognizing that the presenting symptoms may be more of a reflection of environmental circumstances, rather than some internal process. It also must be recognized that not all assessment procedures have been validated, and that in the end more data may be needed to truly understand the client and his or her condition. The evaluation of assessment data is ultimately a subjective process, requiring caution to limit potential errors. GRADING RUBRIC: 6 points total, 2 for each of 3 issues.