Inviting ASPPB to address systemic bias and racism: Reply to Turner et al. (2021).

Abstract

Turner et al. (2021) subtly relapse in conceptualizing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (Part 2-Skills) exam as a competency evaluation despite Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards' (ASPPB) prior concession that Part 2 measures only the knowledge of skills (not skill competency). They do not address the purpose of redundant evaluation or the other concerns raised in Callahan et al. (2020). Instead, Turner et al. remain narrowly focused on defense of content validity and a reliance on outdated standards that fail to meet contemporary expectations for assessment of health care professionals. The adopted processes and procedures, albeit time consuming and effortful, are known to be methodologically inadequate. ASPPB's methods demonstrably foster linguistic biases and systemic racism that constricts licensure of diverse individuals as psychologists. Specific suggestions are offered, and ASPPB is urged to take drastic corrective action.

Ignoring race and denying racism: A meta-analysis of the associations between colorblind racial ideology, anti-Blackness, and other variables antithetical to racial justice.

“…Counseling psychology programs should provide curricular and applied opportunities for students to engage in antiracism action, such as community-based research, participatory action research, and political advocacy (Bowleg, 2021). Such curriculum that critically examines systems of oppression and integrates antiracist work as part of research and training (Buchanan & Wiklund, 2020; Callahan et al, 2021) is necessary for transformative institutional change (Griffith et al, 2007). In their roles as consultants, counseling psychologists could also support organizations in developing social justice-oriented missions, adopting targeted social justice agendas for specific social issues, and helping to evaluate their progress and impact.…”

Further validation of competency assessment: The practicum evaluation form.

“…Psychology as a discipline seems to have consensus on the idea that competency provides an overarching structure that serves to protect the public (e.g., American Psychological Association [APA], 2018; Kaslow et al, 2004, 2006, 2009; Krishnamurthy et al, 2004; Roberts et al, 2005; Rodolfa et al, 2005; Spruill et al, 2004). Yet, upon reaching the penultimate step before independent practice, taking the Examination for the Practice of Professional Psychology (EPPP), the competency of candidates for licensure is not actually assessed (Callahan et al, 2020, 2021; J. Horn, personal communication, January 18, 2019; Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology Mid-Winter Meeting). The study presented herein serves as a proof-of-concept investigation for competency measurement development work that could be done with the EPPP 1 and, simultaneously, contributes to the evidence base for an existing measure of competency already in use with predoctoral health service psychology trainees.…”

“…Psychology as a discipline seems to have consensus on the idea that competency provides an overarching structure that serves to protect the public (e.g., American Psychological Association [APA], 2018; Kaslow et al, 2004Kaslow et al, , 2006Kaslow et al, , 2009Krishnamurthy et al, 2004;Roberts et al, 2005;Rodolfa et al, 2005;Spruill et al, 2004). Yet, upon reaching the penultimate step before independent practice, taking the Examination for the Practice of Professional Psychology (EPPP), the competency of candidates for licensure is not actually assessed (Callahan et al, , 2021J. Horn, personal communication, competency already in use with predoctoral health service psychology trainees.…”

Racial and ethnic diversity among clinical psychology doctoral students applying for internship.

“…Extant literature points to recurrence of constriction at a subsequent point in the training-to-workforce pipeline: the requisite national licensure exam (Sharpless, 2019(Sharpless, , 2021Sharpless & Barber, 2009). Many issues have been raised regarding the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and its validity (Callahan et al, 2020(Callahan et al, , 2021DeMers, 2009;DiLillo & Tremblay, 2009;Erikson Cornish & Smith, 2009;Ryan & Chan, 1999), but one particularly problematic concern is the role of the EPPP in furthering diversity constriction occurring at the precipice of entering the profession. Research has consistently indicated that fail rates of first-time EPPP test takers differ significantly by racial/ ethnic status, with a much higher rate of failure being found among underrepresented Black/African American (23.33%) and Hispanic/ Latinx (18.60%) applicants as compared to Asian (3.33%) or White (5.75%) applicants (Sharpless, 2019(Sharpless, , 2021.…”