My Quest to Conquer the EPPP & Secure a Jobby Job

Licensed to Ill

2011-12-01T16:20:00.001-08:00

WOOOOHOOO!!!!!

This is it, people. Savoring the moment...

I have reached the proverbial mountain top and am a licensed professional...ready to be given a job to prove I can do what I've been trying to prove I can do for years. I can finally change my official title, take "pending" off of my CV in so many places. It feels good, and I'm going to let that feel good and not worry about what job that license will go toward for a good 24 hours (or 12).

The three of us (EB, MH, and myself) started out on a long journey that ended today with the defeat of the states of Oregon, Texas, and Alabama in our wake.

Good luck to the many of us out there who are continuing to take tests, get transcripts sent, documents filled out, and hours in order so we can be recognized by a state to be legit.

Next stop...California Board of Psychology.

Oregon Juris (wait for it) prudence

2011-12-01T15:45:00.001-08:00

My battle with the beast...

It has been awhile since the last triumphant EPPP-passage post. I am back to say that the Oregon Jurisprudence Exam can be conquered. I sweated that thing out like none other and came out of that state building with my head hanging low. Feeling defeated. Keep in mind this was open book and all the questions were like the crazy hypothetical ethics questions on the EPPP, only this time you had to either apply Oregon state law to the scenario, or the ethical standards. It was intense, I'm not gonna lie.

The Specs: Monthly administration, changes form each month, need written request to take exam 30 days prior to administration date, can retake, but on second fail must submit a study plan to the board to sit a third time.

But, turns out I was way too harsh on that and I passed with a comfortable margin (think sing-songy shouts of "ding-dong the test is dead!"). For Oregon, they don't tell you what the passing rate is, because it changes every month's administration. Sounds crazy, right? But, they do it that way I think because each month the test form changes and they are basing on each cohorts performance. At least, this is the story I've made up in my head. I got an 84% on the test, and the pass rate was 72% this time.

The moral of the story, kids, is that it can be done. Even when you don't study as much as you should. ;)

Yea Boi!

2011-10-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

I passed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel like doing a silly dance, and running around crazy, and laughing hysterically. I am giving all my positive vibes to MH and EB, who are just a week away from killing it on the EPPP. For my own experience, I'll leave it to these guys to show you how silly it is. If I had more time, I would make a psychology version.

Now, it's time to focus more on the other things that are helping to secure a jobby job. Including the state exam, for which I just got an fatty envelope of materials that I don't plan on touching for a couple weeks. Last I checked, I have three applications in, two more due this upcoming week, and one that I might actually be qualified for. In a few I will post some of my resources for jobby jobs, just to keep it interesting.

For now, I'm just savoring the moment!

Doneski...I hope.

2011-10-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

This morning I took the EPPP. It's a mixture of relief and worry and exhaustion and craziness, but it's done.

I'm not gonna lie, I thought it was challenging, but I didn't feel like I bombed it. There were a lot of questions that were extensions and novel applications of the content in the materials. I would say the retired questions and the last Psych Prep test (E) that I took were the most like the real thing as far as the challenge. But, I will be much smarter, and far more accurate in a predictor-criterion way after I find out how I did on the real thing.

Now, I'm focusing my energy on the jobby job applications that are looming. Then, November comes and I will hopefully take the Oregon jurisprudence exam. FYI, for those of you this applies to ever, the Oregon exam is only offered once a month and you need 30 days notification (always tied to when you give them the money;) to take it so PLAN WELL!

I'm not going to hold my breath for the next two weeks, but I guarantee I will feel all the emotions on the this here chart.

P.S. Had a good debrief with MH and EB via skype conference call and it was a good one. They are up at the end of the month and then we will all be done! I highly recommend doing this with some friends cause it's hard to tackle all on your own without anyone to bounce things off of here and there. Thanks to them for all the support and now it's my turn to be encouraging!

Pharm Game

2011-10-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

One of the areas that we have found challenging is keeping all those drugs and their side effects straight. Which ones are anticholinergic, which ones aren't? (I think SSRI's is the right answer to the last one, btw). And, don't forget to remember the brain structures and neurotransmitters.

I have found a few resources that are my go-to ones these days. One is from the Exchange--I really like this set of flashcards. It goes fairly quick, it covers key areas, and the questions are on target (e.g., Side effects of these drugs include drowsiness, lethargy, slurred speech, and impaired psychomotor ability---Benzos).

The other resource I like is a neuroanatomy type outline from the EPPP Yahoo group files. It's a nice reference and something that you can print out on the front and back of a paper and carry around if you must (NERD ALERT).

Balloon Art Anatomy

In my last hours of studying, these are quick and dirty resources that keep me sharp. Cause who doesn't want to think about the side effects of lithium, or which drug is associated with agranylocytosis?? (P.S. atypical antipsychotics)

It's Gettin' Better All the Time

2011-10-05T18:06:00.000-07:00

I have to admit...it's getting so much better. While I didn't do some of the things the guy in the Beatles song did, it applies to my EPPP situation.

I done got my notifcation and registration ID and I'm set to take the test in less than a week, people! This is my lesson to everyone that being persistent and asking questions pays off. The supposed letter, which never did come from Oregon, was just a formality and I didn't even need it. All I had to do was let them know (via email will do) that I wanted to sit for it and they would register me. If I had sat around and waited for the letter, I would not be able to take the test before the 15th cutoff. It pays to be a little persistent.

Now to the scary part. Oh holy Lord I have to take this test in 5 days!

Plan:
1. Take 3-4 practice tests all together. Including the retired ASPPB questions that I keep hearing are so awesome. (Side note: ASPPB doesn't have them available--new or old--anymore, so get old ones. Find 'em on the EPPP Yahoo for sale or from friends/colleagues if you want them).

2. Review key areas from the flashcards on the Exchange. Clinical, Dx, Development, L&B, Ethics, I/O

3. Look over psychopharm charts to see if I can make some differentiations.

4. Look over past failed items, either on the Exchange, or from my old practice tests.

5. Don't panic, eat healthy, exercise, relax, do something fun every day.

Okay people, it's really here, and here is my proof!

Let's get it on

2011-10-04T22:21:00.000-07:00

There is a letter slowly-very, very slowly-making it's way to me from the board of psychology in Oregon. It says I can take the test. I hope it comes soon, cause I'm starting to think anything that can go wrong will. Anyhow, this brings me to an issue that we will all face, if we get to take the test.

Scheduling.

My good friend EB, has tipped me off that you can look at the availability of a testing time/seat at anytime, at the Prometric website. You just have to click on "Schedule your test" and it will ask you to pick a state and then put in your zip and it will give you a list of all of the testing sites in your area. Choose your site, and then look at the availability calendar and there you have it. My first date available is on Monday, October 10th. Yikes. I would like it to be next week though, so please let the mail gods be smiling on me so I can get it and get a spot before the 15th!

That reminds me, you all know that Prometric releases your test for scoring at only two times in the month...the 15th and the end (30th, 31st, 28th on a leap year). So, you may want to keep that in mind when scheduling your test because waiting for 1-2 weeks just to get your test released for scoring may add some unnecessary wait time/anxiety.

Let's all just click our heals and say, "there's no place like my mail box" and my letter may just show up. I'm not above magical thinking at this point, even though I think I'm beyond preoperational thinking. ;)

Fumings...

2011-09-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

Yep, you read that right. Not musings, but fumings.

If I could go back in time to my pre-application self and explain that no matter where you apply there are likely to be shenanigans so don't get your hopes up, perhaps I would not be fuming now.

Doubtful.

Okay, Oregon. I know it's not really one person's fault that I keep getting jerked around but the efforts of many incompetent people and systems. Seriously, figure your shit out and get back to me.

This is the third time across a month that I have been contacted by them for yet another mistake in my file that requires me to run around like a moron and get things I was told I did not need, or already had. Not cool. Plus, whenever this happens and I get something back right away, it's another week and some until they get to it and then get back to me about something else that isn't up to snuff. Mind you, this is all after three months of sitting on this file and waiting for fingerprints only. I would have been more than happy to get these things done during the wait for good fingerprints...really!

Today I lost it, as much as I can lose it, to the poor woman on the phone who is trying her best to do someone else's job. But, after this long (beginning of June, people), they are lucky I've kept it together. All I can say is this better be the last effing thing they ask me for because I am not amused.

This brings me back to the all important topic of MAINTENANCE. I seem to be doing okay with practice tests, but I can see the slight drop in scores and definitely am forgetting details I used to have (e.g., suicide by age, race, etc...gone). I have been trying to do flashcards from the Exchange and need to beef that up. Lately, my strategy has been to keep a running list of topics that I want to follow-up on based on my practice test performance.

Bottom line...I NEED TO STEP IT UP!

My rant is over (at least for now). All this to say, you will get frustrated, things will be out of your control, and licensing boards will suck at times. Keep calm, carry on.

"Colors come from God...Just like me!"

2011-09-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

This is my homage to children's books that celebrate diversity. Seriously, the book, PEOPLE, is pretty cool if you ever want to check it out. It's from the 70's so you know it is legit.

In my opinion, much better than the current laundry list of racial identity development models that we need to learn for the EPPP. What if it was as simple as one or two models? Or better yet, a few concepts or principles like overall racial identity and/or acculturation.

I also need to brush up on my outdated and inconsistent ideas about multicultural therapy. I was just talking with EB about how it is kind of ridiculous that they make us learn these somewhat outdated concepts, given what we have learned in the last two decades of research on diversity and therapy. Also, I'm so over the having to learn about these concepts that are inconsistent. Is it outcomes matter if you are of a certain racial background (with regard to matching) or they don't and it's all pretty much equal? Terminates early or doesn't matter, over/underutilizes or doesn't?

Okay, since we have to know it regardless, I've pulled a couple of outlines from the goldmine files on the EPPP Prep group on Yahoo that are specifically about the diversity issues...as taught in the prep materials. ;) Before I get to take this beast, I will be spending some quality time with all those models to make sure that I can pickr which person's Immersion-Emersion step they are referring to this time.

Flash(card) Dance

2011-09-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

Still waiting to officially hear from Oregon and Prometric. In the mean time, I've decided to dance!

Well, at least with flashcards. I still don't have my electronic sets, but I've been using the Exchange, and it's been a good proxy. The study mode is useful and I can jump around to different sets if I'm not loving the coverage in a certain set. It's worth checking them out if you are a flashcard/quiz type of person.

Maintenance Study Plan:
1. Review one or more topics per day with Exchange cards. (my old reviews have come in handy, finally)
2. Do practice questions to keep up with test taking.
3. Listen to audio files when possible.
4. Sticking to major topic areas, like Dx, Clinical, Developmental, and I/O.

If you find yourself in a similar boat--ready to go but no notification--it's not a bad way to keep up (at least it feels right to me, maybe I should come back after taking this and revise as needed ;).

I'm crossing my fingers I'll get to take this mother soon.

The anticipation builds...

2011-08-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting on the edge of my chair, biting my front lip, clenching my hands in anticipation while trying to wait to take this sucker!

The good news...

I looked up my application status last night and my background check went through (miracle of miracles!) I also called them today to make sure everything is ready. I'M IN THE PILE TO REVIEW TO SEND OUT THE NOTIFICATION LETTER!!!!!!

So, I'm trying to quell my anxiety/nervousness right now. Think I'm going to bring a practice test to class...

Hopefully this will be more like me soon after I open my email/mail to find my notification letter!

Weeeeeeee!!!!!!

We're talking about practice, man.

2011-08-28T16:11:00.000-07:00

And so it goes...

Pretty much the only studying activities that I have been doing in the past two weeks have been taking practice tests and listening to my audio files. I'm actually feeling pretty good about focusing on the practice tests. But, thanks to my computer debacles, I haven't had access to my electronic flashcards for awhile, or been able to access the Exchange, again--no working computer at home. Thankfully, this week my most fabulous parents decided to help me out and get me a replacement computer, and when my old one is resurrected my dad will get it (sorry, Dad, short end of the stick comes to mind).

Some thoughts about practice tests as I begin another week of filling them out.

1. Psych Prep tests--Earlier this week I almost made EB throw a stroke when I said I thought the Psych Prep tests were way easier than the other ones I had been taking (all she has been using). I figured out why. My friend, Adria, took the Psych Prep course and mentioned that the tests increase in difficulty as you go on thru the course. So, I took A, which is the easiest of them all (goes A-E for me), and then had to eat my words when my score went down in practice test B. EB, I can hear the sigh of relief cause I was wrong.

2. Another hilarious question-related anecdote. In the response for a social psych question related to foot-in-the-door vs. door-in-the-face, it stated "The foot-in-the-door is like the camel's toe in the tent." Apparently that is a saying somewhere, but I was loving the fact that it said camel's toe...juvenile, I know. :)

3. Another EB classic. She brought to my attention that there is yet another option for practice tests, this time from the ASPPB. They have the option to take a 100-item test at the Prometric center that is like a trial run. It's about $100, which isn't too bad if you are really sweating this thing. Also, they offer a 100-item downloadable electronic practice test that mimics the real thing and costs $50. These are both through ASPPB. I pasted the description of them below in case you are like me, and just want easy access.

I hope to have more ridiculous questions/responses from the practice tests next week to share. Good studying!!!

From the ASPPB:

Do You Want to Practice the EPPP?
The Association of State and Provincial
Psychology Boards (ASPPB) offers two
different computer-delivered practice
tests for the Examination for Professional
Practice in Psychology (EPPP), the
licensing examination required by psychology licensing boards in Canada and the United States: The PEPPP at Prometric testing centers, and the PEPPPO available online.
The PEPPP and the PEPPPO are different examinations. They have no items in common with each other, so one may take either or both, depending on preparation needs.
The items on both the PEPPP and the PEPPPO are drawn from the EPPP item bank and have been prepared using the same procedures as items selected for use on the actual EPPP.
ELIGIBILITY
To take either of the practice examinations, an individual must be preparing for psychology licensure, and must attest to meeting at least one of the following eligibility requirements by being:

A student in a doctoral psychology program; or
A student in a master's psychology program in a state or province that grants a license,
certification or registration for master's-trained individuals; or
An individual with a degree that qualifies him or her to take the EPPP; or
A candidate for licensure as a psychologist.
THE PEPPP
The 100-item computer administered Practice Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (PEPPP) offers individuals a chance to practice answering examination questions under real-world testing conditions at a Prometric Testing Center. Candidates will experience navigating the exam with the actual test administration program, and will receive immediate feedback on their performance. This is an excellent way to get a preview of the physical characteristics of the chosen Prometric Testing Center, including lighting, temperature, noise level, parking issues, etc.
PEPPP Fees
The fees for the PEPPP are a $50, non-refundable test fee, plus a test center fee of $51.50 that must be paid by credit card at the time a practice-test appointment is scheduled with Prometric. Thus the total fee for taking the PEPPP at a Prometric Testing Center is $101.50.
Applying for the PEPPP
You may register for the PEPPP online at www.asppb.net/student, through the same online application center where you register for the EPPP. When your application is accepted, you will receive an Authorization-to-Test letter by email. This letter will provide you with a registration number and the phone number of the Prometric call center,
Prices for publications and services listed in the booklet are subject to change.

Information for Candidates © July 2011

Association of State & Provincial Psychology Boards

which you will then contact to schedule an appointment for testing. Examination appointments for the PEPPP are available Monday through Friday at more than 320 Prometric Testing Centers in the U.S. and Canada. Information on Prometric locations may be found on the web at http://www.Prometric.com. A single 100-item practice examination will be available.
PEPPP Scores
Candidates will receive immediate feedback on their performance on the PEPPP in the form of (1) an overall scaled score, and (2) part scores in percent format in a printed report. Candidates will not receive a copy of the practice exam content.
THE PEPPPO: INTERNET PRACTICE TEST
Another 100-item practice test is available as the Practice Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology Online (PEPPPO). Candidates for this web-based examination can take a practice exam containing sample EPPP questions at the time and place of their choice with any computer that can connect to the Internet, using any browser, including Internet ExplorerTM and SafariTM.
PEPPPO Fees
The fee for the PEPPPO practice examination is $55.00 and is paid at the time of registration online at www.asppb.net/student. This is the same online application center where you register for the EPPP.
Taking the PEPPPO
Candidates can take the PEPPPO immediately after registering.
You can pause and exit Internet Explorer while taking the PEPPPO and return later to finish the practice exam, (enable cookies for the site) but you must complete the PEPPO within 48 hours of when you began taking it.
Word of Warning: You should only use the “Finish Exam and View Scores” option when you have completed the PEPPPO. There is no way to go back to the practice exam once you have clicked that option.
PEPPPO Scores
Candidates will receive immediate feedback on their performance on the PEPPPO in the form of (1) an overall scaled score, and (2) part scores in percent format. The score summary report is printable; however the practice exam content is not printable.
NOTE: Both practice examinations are offered for study purposes only. No representation is made that performance on the practice examinations is a valid indicator of performance on any future licensing examination or a guarantee of passage of such a licensing examination. An individual's score on the practice examination will not be accepted in lieu of the passage of an actual form of the EPPP. By taking these practice examinations, each individual acknowledges that he or she understands these limitations on the use of the examination.

You gotta know when to hold em', know when to fold em.

2011-08-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

Gambling...how appropriate for the EPPP. I feel some days that it's a totally crap shoot, thank you very much variable ratio schedule of reinforcement. But, I can't help but wonder lately, "When will I know when I'm ready?" Like sitting in front of the slot machine wondering, "Should I pull the lever again, or walk away?"

So, there are several "theories" floating around out there (see the EPPP Yahoo Group for many discussion threads on practice test thresholds and percentages), and most are related to scores on various practice tests. Makes sense, in a validity/predictor-criterion-type way. But, what level is enough? I've heard a lot of chatter about a high 60's threshold on the practice tests (particularly AATBS or AR) and passing with room on the real thing. This is congruent with what my friends and colleagues have reported as well. Some people say 80%, just to be safe, but I think they must be taking some pretty easy practice tests. If only there was a list of 10 things to recognize when you're ready?!?!

Ultimately, it is up to YOU (or me in this case). Well, and the state to which you apply if you are waiting for notification (in the throws of the third fingerprinting!). But, essentially you decide. Here's a protocol analysis of my decision making. ;)

1. My practice test scores are consistently good/much better.
2. I'm feeling saturated with information.
3. I'm running out of steam to learn/review written materials.
4. (Related to above) I can't stand to do anything but listen to the audio files and do practice test items.

There's probably more, but that's my process so far. When EB and MH get close, I'll be interested to hear how they "know".

Practice Test Musings (and shout outs)

2011-08-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

Shout outs to start...

EB and MH are completely rocking it these past couple weeks with kick ass numbers for studying and MH with the first TSM practice test looking phenomenal. The tide is changing in a good way for us, ladies!

Now for the practice tests...

I had a pretty sweet morning, finishing the practice test and getting a 70.5-74% (I was missing some answers so I gave myself a range). I've moved to doing 25 questions at a time and then reviewing them, all while making a few notes along the way. It's working nicely as it doesn't seem too daunting and I get gratification along the way. SIDE-NOTE: Think I'm going to make some paper/pencil flashcards of my missed questions now that I'm rocking out the practice test questions. This is also due to my computer being shady and potentially not having access to my full electronic flashcard repertoire.

Since I've been hitting the practice tests pretty hard, I've noticed some things about the questions.

First are the convoluted, infuriating ones. EB and I talked earlier about the ridiculous Ethics questions (Re-regrouping & Self-efficacy works will fill you in), and I have found some of the most re-freaking-diculous responses that I must share.


None of these are right!?!?!


So if you're not sadistic, the real test-question writers sure are.

Contradictory, mixed bag, unsettled...all great for test questions.

It's somewhat entertaining, once you get past the rage. And, there are so many more prime examples of this that I had to stop taking pictures to save time.

Next, I found some funny ones, this was one of the best. I have seen another Star Wars reference in the practice tests too, and I can't help but think there is a 40-something year old mid-career guy out there having a little fun. :)

If I saw this come across on the real thing, I would have to exercise supreme self-control not to pick option D just to spite them. However, chances are I will not be able to spare the possibility for a "right" answer. More is the pity.

Okay, that's all for my practice test musings for tonight. Hope this brought a little smile and some relief to those permanently furrowed brows we're all developing.

Good studying!

Self-efficacy works. True story.

2011-08-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

(Thank you, Bandura...and Rosie.)

Yes, we can!

For those of us (me!) who are in a bit of a slump and wishing we (I) never had to see another flashcard/outline/quiz again, this is for us (me).

After a much-needed pep-talk session with EB (see Re-regrouping), I decided to focus my studying on an area where I had some street cred before I took out the studying equivalent of shark repellent and dove into I/O. Great idea, Batman! I got out the Research/Stats materials and today I feel like I could save Gotham from the evil nemesis, EPPP. Translation--I got a shot of self-efficacy from reviewing materials that were already a fair strength and it made me feel good.

Newsflash: self-efficacy works.

I'm awesome.

Here's my recommendation for the day. When you are planning your study strategy (or re-planning, re-replanning, etc), put some self-efficacy building materials in there. Take a break from the toughest stuff and give yourself a task that is challenging, but only optimally, to get that self-efficacy boost. It has been especially helpful in the lowest of low morale/motivation times. I feel like I have a little more 'mo now, which I will take any which way I can get it. :)

Good luck out there, fellow superheroes!

Re-regrouping

2011-08-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

Definitely had some bumps in the studying road in the past couple of weeks. Sickness, birthday amotivation, traveling/conferencing...these things are not helping my cause! But, I liaisoned (though this is not a word, I'm keeping it here) with my team (MH, EB) this week and I'm feeling better and ready to re-regroup.

Things I have surmised (with the help of others):
1. Time to cut my losses and focus on the most important areas. Translation: bye-bye I/O, hello Research/Stats and Test Construction. Agree with EB, this is where I can benefit the most from reviewing the written materials as I have learned it once (or a thousand times) already and it will be easier to relearn. Also, content is more intuitive than I/O so best capacity for improving in this area.

2. Time to get to those practice tests! I have been slacking on this, big-time. I've only been doing 50 questions here or there on different tests and need to chip away at one test at a time and complete it. Toying with the idea of doing 25 questions a day (at least) just to make sure I'm doing it this way.

3. There are areas where I will not learn anything else from reviewing content. EB and I had this discussion about Ethics. I feel like I know the content (i.e., ethics code), but am struggling more in the application. Best way to practice this seems to be the test questions, and just getting more and more exposure to the convoluted and complex ways in which I am supposed to be able to apply these ethical code tenets.

4. Fingerprints suck. I just got notified that my fingerprints have been rejected for the second time. There has to be a lesson in this. Oregon was dumbfounded when they learned that the police offices aren't doing these anymore and that they haven't done ink in CA for over 5 years. So, I'm putting myself in the hands of people who work at places like Postal Annex, to be able to discern if ink fingerprints are good. Plus, Oregon called me and chatted about it and we have a plan!

5. Mixed methods. Even though I am learning a lot through the review-written-materials-and-make-flashcards method, the amount of material I have to review by flashcards is growing. Some of it will need to be cut out due to sheer volume. I've decided to just write notes about Research/Stats and Test Construction as I go along because it is easier than some to remember without flashcard review, and I can rely on test questions, the Exchange flashcards, and the audio files for these content areas. Plus, less questions on the EPPP overall than Clinical, Dx, Development, and L&B, which are the flashcards I need to keep reviewing.

Re-regrouping, here I come!

Brain Power (and other rando thoughts)

2011-07-20T22:01:00.000-07:00

Can I make a recommendation to all you studiers out there? Don't go on 12 trips in the middle of studying, or even one long one, if you can avoid it. It is mucho disruptive to the study schedule (I've harped on this before, I know).

Okay, so I have finally finished the physiological bases section (disruptiveness galore!) and it wasn't as bad as I thought. Though I don't score nearly as good on this as Ethics or L&B, but as EB wisely points out, some things are going to be weaker than others and "good enough" is something we should all be familiar with.

REVIEW:
I have reviewed the flashcards from the Exchange and it is up in my google docs to share. There are some useful psychotropic only sets that will be good to go through by themselves just to get the drug names and classes refreshed. Check it out!

There are also several outlines available from the Yahoo! EPPP Prep group. I liked and will use the Psychopharm table, nicely done and easy table to read (2 pages). Also, if you want a one pager of neuroanatomy, this one has structures and neurotransmitters. A little more detail on this 2-3 pager on physiological basics. And, a detailed outline/review of the topics in the physiological bases volume of the AATBS materials (similar coverage to AR) is here.

Take home message: Some areas will feel "underdeveloped" and that is okay. As long as I don't forget the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease (as someone who specialized in older adults and cognitive testing), I still have my dignity.

Audiophile

2011-07-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

Quick and dirty tonight.

I'm spending a lot of time with my iPod lately, and consequently have grown to love and hate the AR and AATBS audio files. Here is what I can say about them, based on my growing experience. (Disclaimer: Not actually me in the picture, but it might come to that soon when I need every minute I can.)

REVIEW:
Academic Review- These seem to be a little more comprehensive in the content they cover. Granted, there are almost twice as many of the CD's/audio files than the AATBS, but they do seem to cover more ground. Particularly in Clinical, Developmental, and Diagnosis so far. I think I feel more connected to the guy, but that probably says more about me than anything (no laughing, EB & MH!).

AATBS- Okay, I know I've bagged on her voice and the mouth noises so I won't go off on them here. The content is good, it follows the study materials well and it is a nice refresher of main points when you don't want to get lost in the well of content that is the written materials. Also, I much prefer the format AATBS uses with the practice questions at the end of each subsection. Gives you a chance to consolidate and apply, plus practice EPPP-type questions.

It's well worth it for me to use the audio files to keep up with the content in a more user-friendly way. For example, I listen to it at night to fall asleep (handy). EB & MH are both planning to use them on the commute (clever). Any which way I can.

We're going to kick this thing in the gut.

Getting back on the wagon

2011-07-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

I'm workin' on it.

This week I've been trying to make up for the last week or so where some of my studying was less than stellar (lots of listening to audio files and not a lot of rehearsal or new material). I did finish the diagnosis section, finally! I learned that GAD is pretty much awesome, cause everyone has it either as a primary disorder or a comorbidity. These things are so good to know...not. I am back to being serious about studying now that a few side projects are finished. EB, MH, you heard it here. Don't let me fall off the wagon!

On a different note, I talked to someone who has taken the new ASPPB version of the test. This person has had their license for years (a faculty mentor) and was on a committee to test it out. She said that she only had an hour and half, but passed it (just barely, but did). So, I'm taking this as good news because, in the past, success on the test has been highly correlated with years out of grad school and she is way out and still passed with limited time. Apparently, she thinks it is more applicable and reasonable than she expected given the frequent complaints she gets about "way too much I/O" and "what is the deal with all this psychodynamic crap?" She is probably biased, but I'll hope that her passing is a good enough sign that it can happen for me too. That's the down low, people.

Absence makes the heart grow forgetful. Blerg.

2011-07-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

This week I learned my lesson. EPPP study materials: 900 Me: 0

I have been trying to finish up a side project (that I dislike greatly), and with the holiday weekend it has turned into a famine for my EPPP studying. I hadn't looked at my flashcards for four or so days and only relied on listening to the audio files (AR and AATBS) here and there for any review. Hence, the ass-kicking that I got this morning when I reviewed my flashcards.

So, I learned that it is not wise for me to take such a long hiatus without at least reviewing some of my flashcard material, especially those that I don't know that well. It occurs to me that this is not a "Oh my God I'm going to fail!" move, but it is a good lesson on how not to go about studying if I want to do well.

Strategies that have worked for me to keep relevant info in my brain have been pairing the audio materials with a review of flashcards (or other means of reviewing the content you have already gone through) on a consistent basis. Not necessarily daily with all of the content areas, but especially reviewing the material that I have just lately learned a couple of times before going lighter.

Other strategies that have been helpful for you all, EB, MH?

Back to it! (exclamation point is more for self-fulfilling prophecy reasons, not current level of motivation)

Oregon rocks!!

2011-06-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

An update on the licensure front...

I'm impressed, Oregon. You are doing things quickly, you are very reasonable and easy to reach by phone. I got a letter a few weeks ago (unbeknownst to me cause it went to work...BLERG!) and I had some questions. So, I called and you resolved it in under 2 minutes and were not mean, snooty, or exasperated! Not only that, but you're giving me access to my status online so I can check it all I want (until I start EX/RP and the checking behavior will have to go). And, my fingerprints were turned around and sent in for my background check within a couple days.

All in all, Oregon is a good option for licensure and quick turnaround...so far. I haven't received my notification yet, but that is due to some issues (ahem) with my references being slow. I should have it in plenty of time to hit my goal time.

This is a promising relationship. Now if I could only convince someone in your state to give me a fantastic jobby job.

EB, MH...what were your experiences like getting approval?

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

2011-06-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

As some of you probably know (especially if you're reading this in like 2015--I hope I have a job then!--and it's probably changed big-time or it's a virtual-reality tx module or something) the EPPP is going to be slightly different come August 1st, 2011. Oddly enough, that's my birthday. Anyways...

The changes include having only 175 of the 225 total questions count toward your total score. The percentage for passing is still at 70%, and my calculator tells me that is 122.5 or 123 questions right. MH had a great question about the change in percentages/breakdown of the subjects. The ASPPB peeps have published the updates, which are fairly nominal (see pg. 22 to start the info on the subject breakdown). Also, I'm posting a message from the EPPP Prep group where someone said it so succinctly.

An interesting change

While looking through test data wondering about how the test will change in
August, I found an interesting site:
According to ASPPB the test will have the following weights

Biological Bases of Behavior   12% (up 1 % from last year)
Cognitive-Affective                  13% (same as last year)
Social And Cultural                  12% (same as last year)
Growth & lifespan                    12% (down 1% from last year)
Assessment                              14% (same as last year)
Treatment, Intervention              14% (down 1% from last year)
Research methods                      8% (up 1% from last year)
Ethics                                        15% (same as last year)

which suggests more focus on Research methos and Biological Bases of Behavior.

Interesting,
xxxx

Why is diagnosis so hard?!?!

2011-06-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why, but I am finding the my scores on the Dx questions to be shameful. It's not so much that I can't diagnose someone, but the types of info they want in the section is not usually a list of symptoms and then come up with a diagnosis. It's more like which of the many associated factors of the disorder can you identify, which group has more or less, and what are the most likely comorbidities and symptoms in a group of equally likely comorbid conditions. Tricky, tricky...

So, I've been trying to make it through and make the most effective notes for remembering. I think I got the diagnostic criteria for most of them down just fine, so it will be remembering the nitty-gritty details, like that approximately 60% of adults continue to have achievement, psychological, social, etc. problems when they have a childhood dx of ADHD.

My review of the Exchange flashcards is up and you're welcome to look. There are a couple that follow my AATBS materials, some with AR materials, and one in particular with just test questions about Dx (handy when you want a quick run through of just that subject) There is also an outline based on the AATBS materials from the EPPP Prep group.

Here's to finishing this section and being a diagnostic beast (and by beast, I mean right at least 70% of the time).

Why not study like I workout?!?!

2011-06-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

For me, a good workout plan includes building on my strengths and boosting my weaknesses. I'm not sure I have been really paying too much attention to either, though definitely more of a weaknesses-first plan. But, as EB has reminding me this weekend, a good tactic may be to focus on building on strengths, especially when there is so much to do and some weaknesses may be pretty low.

I like this tactic of not forgetting the strengths, and am trying to keep in mind ceiling and floor effects, regression to the mean, and all that jazz. I'm thinking that building on a strength will be good until I hit my ceiling, wherever that may be (when I feel saturated with info, when I consistently answer the AATBS end-of-chapter questions right, when my practice test scores on that section are stable). Then it's maintenance. Like running my 1.5 milers at a steady speed, not building speed or distance.

As for weaknesses, I am thinking I have a lot of room to grow so I won't neglect them. But, I'm not going to give them a SUPER amount of time either. I figure that any studying in these weakness areas (I/O, Development, Social) will probably give me some pretty good gains and a moderate amount will be sufficient. In other words, I'm not going to bother memorizing every leadership style theory and job satisfaction statistic. I think there are much better ways to spend my time. I'll do just enough to get a moderate amount of details so I can get a few more right in the end. Getting back to my analogy...I know that speed is not my forte in running, nor will it ever be. BUT, I can work on once a week and it will end up helping me with endurance and adding mileage.

Speaking of all this, I should probably get back to studying!

The Real World Application: Florida

2011-06-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

I have been at a conference in FL for the past week, and struggling to find time to study, especially any new content. So, I've been doing my best to fit in some review here and there (thank you electronic flashcards!). Also, I have been, much to the annoyance of my friends/fellow postdocs, finding little ways to apply the knowledge I am trying desperately to consolidate.

Case in point: The Skinner Lizard

Last night we came back from Miami and were getting ready to settle in when my friend screams and sees a little lizard in our room. She is begging me to get rid of it (apparently when you let people know you grew up in Montana on a farm you are the resident "icky thing remover). Little guy was in the closet and I tried a couple things to get him to go toward the door, no dice. Took a hanger started banging it near him hoping he would move away from it, and successively prompted him out the door. The first thing out of my mouth was, "So, Becky, that was technically negative reinforcement on my behavior because it increased the hanger banging and removed the negative stimulus, the lizard." I went on to try to describe what type of operant conditioning principles could be applied to the lizards behavior. NERD ALERT!

That's my real world application story. Someday soon I will be back to normal.