psychological testing

Use of tests to measure skill, knowledge, intelligence, capacities, or aptitudes and to make predictions about performance. Best known is the IQ test; other tests include achievement tests—designed to evaluate a student's grade or performance level—and personality tests. The latter include both inventory-type (question-and-response) tests and projective tests such as the Rorschach (inkblot) and thematic apperception (picture-theme) tests, which are used by clinical psychologists and psychiatrists to help diagnose mental disorders and by psychotherapists and counselors to help assess their clients. Experimental psychologists routinely devise tests to obtain data on perception, learning, and motivation. Clinical neuropsychologists often use tests to assess cognitive functioning of people with brain injuries. Seealso experimental psychology; psychometrics.

Learn more about psychological testing with a free trial on Britannica.com.

A shakedown is a period of testing or a trial journey undergone by a ship, aircraft or other craft and its crew before being declared operational.

Example procedures

Racing Cars

Most racing cars require a "shakedown" test before being used at a race meeting. For example, on May 3 2006, Luca Badoer performed shakedowns on all three of Ferrari's Formula One cars at Fiorano. This was in preparation for the European Grand Prix at the Nürburgring. Badoer is a Ferrari F1 test driver. The main drivers then were Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa.

Aircraft

Aircraft shakedowns check avionics, flight controls, all systems, as well as the general airframe airworthiness.

Ship

Shakedown for a ship is generally referred to as a Sea trial.