Dyslexia and Psychometric Testing

Psychometric Testing and Dyslexia

Psychometric tests are usually structured for general people and thus the needs of the dyslexic population may not be considered. As dyslexic people usually are not able to read and write smoothly, they may have difficulty when appearing for psychometric tests. They may face problems in remembering and recalling words and their thought processing rate may be slow as well. Considering these, a psychometric test may seem unfair to them as they may have poor performance. However, there are multiple provisions that an organization may make for the benefits of dyslexic people in this regard which are also mandated by law. These provisions may help ensure that dyslexic candidates will get a fair chance at psychometric tests and have equal career opportunities as their counterparts.

Tackling Psychometric Tests while being Dyslexic

A dyslexic person can prepare for the psychometric tests by adopting a number of techniques and methods as mentioned below.

Ask for Verbal Instructions

Psychometric tests may contain some special instructions that may be presented to the candidates in written format which may pose difficulty to dyslexic candidates. In case the dyslexic candidate has problems with reading the instructions provided in the written form, they may request the assessor or person in charge of the assessment center to help with this. Some companies may make provision for dyslexic candidates who are taking their psychometric tests. If necessary, a special reader may be assigned to the candidates or a writer may be available in a handwritten test. The candidate may also be allowed to answer the exam orally in some cases.

Individual Learning Style

With the help of a psychologist, an individual suffering from dyslexia may find a learning style that will be favorable to them to prepare for psychometric tests. These may be based on the strengths and weaknesses of the individual. A few common learning styles include:

• Learning via Visual Medium: Some dyslexic individuals may learn well via visual representations of data, such as charts, graphs, mind maps and videos. These mediums may help them make notes and remember things. Their mind may represent the data in form of images and it may be easier for them to comprehend the visual graphs and representations.
• Learning using audio: Individuals who respond to auditory medium better than visual medium may learn by making use of audio equipment. They may memorize well by listening and re-listening the source. Participating in discussions, asking questions to others and answering, and teaching and reading aloud may help them learn better.
• Kinesthetic learning: This method involves carrying out the work practically rather than theoretically. Underlining important points in color, making notes and repeating information while walking can help these individuals remember.

Using Self Help Books

There are many self-help books that contain tips, tricks and techniques to help dyslexic people improve their reading and comprehension capabilities as well as learning new methods for memorizing information. These books have been used by many dyslexic individuals who have followed the tips and tricks and have found them to be useful for their dyslexic condition. Referring these recommended books and adopting the techniques in their day to day lives can aid in preparing for the psychometric tests.

Hiring Specially Trained Tutors

There are certain tutors who specialize in training methods specifically designed for dyslexic individuals. They may provide one-to-one training and education using methods customized to the dyslexic individuals’ needs. The tutors have association with different regulatory bodies, such as British Phycology Society (BPS) that introduce them to teaching styles especially devised for dyslexic persons and train them in the same. Hiring one of these tutors may help the dyslexic candidate in preparing for psychometric tests.

Notifying the Company Beforehand Regarding the Condition

A dyslexic candidate may notify the company regarding the extent of their condition along with a psychologist’s recommendations, assessment or certificate. A representative of the company may get in touch with the candidate and enquire regarding the condition and its effect on the candidate and how it may hamper the psychometric test score of the candidate.

The candidate may also inform the representative regarding any special provisions that were made for them while appearing in a psychometric test conducted by another organization. The company may make special provisions according to the psychologist’s suggestions and the extent of the impact the condition has on the candidate’s performance. These may include allotment of extra time to answer the exam, provision of special equipment, such as audio/visual device, or Dictaphone or computer to help the candidate in answering the exam.

Acquiring Specific Skills

To overcome the difficulties dyslexia poses for the patients, there are some methods and techniques especially devised for them. A dyslexic person may acquire a few of these special skills by getting acquainted with them and practicing them overtime. Mind mapping and touch typing are a couple of such skills. Mind mapping technique involves usage of diagrams to classify, categorize and represent information in pictorial form or as an image. Usage of mind maps to present information may help dyslexic candidates memorize and remember it, thus making this skill useful to take part in an exam.

Touch typing is another skill that may be vital to dyslexic candidates, especially in psychometric tests that usually involve a digital medium for answering the test. By learning touch typing, a candidate can type on the keyboard without looking at it, making it easier for them to answer the questions in the tests. Acquiring these and other similar skills may come in handy for a dyslexic candidate while preparing for and giving psychometric exams.

Sticking to Strengths

A dyslexic person may have problems with reading and comprehending but they may be better than average people in other skills. These may include imaginative, visual-spatial, creative and practical problem-solving and instinctive abilities. These may give them an edge in some areas of psychometric tests. Recognizing the strengths that one has and utilizing them to maximum can help the dyslexic individual ace these tests.

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