Submission Guidelines

1. Psychometric test proposals for Hogrefe should include:

i. A statement of aims including 3-4 paragraphs outlining the rationale behind the product:

• What is the product?
• What are its main themes and objectives?
• What is it doing differently, or in a more innovative way, or better than existing products?

ii.  A synopsis of the theory and research underpinning the test, population groups and components.

iii. A description of the product; construction methodology (e.g. classical test theory/item response theory); item type, format, method of interpretation, current status of development including psychometric properties established so far; development stages and psychometric analyses still to be completed.

iv.  A description of the target markets:

• Which professional groups and markets is your product aimed at? Who will purchase it?
• What benefits would the product bring to these markets?
• What are the training requirements for users of this product?

v.  A list of the main competing products. The author should provide a solid indication of being familiar with the competition:

• What are their strengths and weaknesses?
• What makes this product better than the existing competition?
• What is the product price range in the competition?

vi.  The author should also include:

• An article or other piece of writing indicating the research underpinning their product.
• A curriculum vitae of all authors, and notes on any other contributors.

2. A submitted product should cover the following:

i. Authors should specify the amount of interpretative/user information the manual should contain and who the manual is written for (occupational test user, clinician, etc).

ii. The manual should be modelled on the ideal customer for the product, and therefore authors need to be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge and realistic understanding of their intended audience. This should also describe populations for which the test is intended, i.e. whether it is nation-specific, whether it is norm or criteria referenced and whether it can be adapted for other populations.

iii. Within this context the purpose of the test and the outcomes achieved through testing should be clearly explained. Authors should demonstrate evidence and methodology within the manual of how the Steering Committee on Test Standards’ four requirements should be met in the test:

• The purpose of testing is clearly stated and communicated to all parties in the testing process.
• The procedures for testing are clearly stated and communicated to all parties involved in the testing process.
• How the test information will be used is clearly stated and communicated to all parties involved in the testing process.
• Procedures for dealing with inquiries and complaints about the process of testing are clearly stated and communicated to all parties involved in the testing process. [For further information visit www.bps.org.uk]

iv. The manual needs to demonstrate clear evidence of the psychometric properties of the test demonstrating the extent and strength of the research underpinning the test.

v. The authors should bear in mind that, as with all psychometric tests, their work will be assessed in relation to the following essential features:

• Validity
• Reliability
• Standardisation
• Objectivity
• Differentiation.

vi. The submitted test will be evaluated on the appropriateness of the instrument for various assessment functions or areas of application, any special training needs or special skills required, whether training requirements are set at the right level, ease of use, the quality and quantity of information provided by the supplier and whether there is important information which is not supplied to users. Information on any plans for future developments and refinements of the test can also be included.

All proposals and submissions should be sent directly to Hogrefe’s Chief Psychologist, Wendy Lord:

Wendy Lord
Chief Psychologist
Hogrefe Ltd.
Burgner House
4630 Kingsgate
Oxford Business Park South
OX4 2SU
UK

For further information and an outline of the Hogrefe manual structure, please refer to our Author and Publisher Responsibilities section. Alternatively, please call 01865 402 900 and ask to speak to the publishing department.