Psychometrics for the non-Psychometrician

I.C.E. Exchange Program Description : Psychometrics doesn’t have to be mysterious. In this session, we’ll unpack the foundational concepts behind assessments—validity, reliability, fairness, and more—without the jargon. Whether you're an executive director, program manager, board member, or just assessment-curious, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how psychometricians think and why they often say, “It depends.”

We'll explore what common statistical terms actually mean in practice (even standard deviation), how data informs test design, and why there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all answer in measurement. This isn’t a stats lecture—it’s a plain-language, real-world look at the science that shapes our decisions about tests and test-takers.

Expect interactive examples, a-ha moments, and plenty of time for questions. If you've ever nodded along in a meeting while secretly wondering what "item response theory" is—or if you're just ready to finally understand why psychometricians provide the advice they do—this is the session for you!

No math degree required. Curiosity encouraged!