What is considered raw data in psychologist records?

Raw data in psychologist records refers to the raw and unprocessed information collected during the assessment and treatment process. This typically includes any documentation that constitutes the immediate data gathered from sessions, evaluations, tests, or interactions that are not yet analyzed or interpreted.

The correct response indicates that raw data includes psychologist's notes that are specifically intended for release to licensed psychologists or are required as part of a court proceeding. This suggests that the notes contain original observations, assessments, or findings that have not yet been modified or summarized for easier understanding by non-professionals. These notes represent the most basic form of information pertinent to the client’s treatment history and clinical assessments, making them fundamental to understanding the basis for further consultation or legal considerations.

In contrast, the other options pertain to forms of documentation that either reflect interpretations, are stylistically formatted, or are not preserved in their original state, which do not qualify as raw data. For instance, presentation style notes and personal reflections constitute processed or interpreted materials rather than raw observations, making them useful for different purposes but not as raw data. Similarly, notes intended for third-party review may also be revised or summarized, thereby excluding them from the category of raw data.