Neil Abell, David W. Springer, and Akihito Kamata
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195333367
- eISBN:
- 9780199864300
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195333367.003.0004
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
This chapter provides a theoretical overview of reliability, as well as pragmatic considerations in establishing different types of reliability. To illustrate key points, it draws from two scales: ...
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This chapter provides a theoretical overview of reliability, as well as pragmatic considerations in establishing different types of reliability. To illustrate key points, it draws from two scales: the Family Responsibility Scale and the Parental Self-Care Scale. Various forms of reliability are addressed, including interrater, test-retest, and internal consistency. Guidelines for interpreting reliability coefficients for clinical and research purposes are provided, including computation of stratified alpha for multidimensional measures. Computation of the standard error of measurement (SEM) is illustrated. The chapter concludes by asserting that a solid reliability coefficient is indispensable as a primary principle in assessing the quality of scores from a scale or test.Less
This chapter provides a theoretical overview of reliability, as well as pragmatic considerations in establishing different types of reliability. To illustrate key points, it draws from two scales: the Family Responsibility Scale and the Parental Self-Care Scale. Various forms of reliability are addressed, including interrater, test-retest, and internal consistency. Guidelines for interpreting reliability coefficients for clinical and research purposes are provided, including computation of stratified alpha for multidimensional measures. Computation of the standard error of measurement (SEM) is illustrated. The chapter concludes by asserting that a solid reliability coefficient is indispensable as a primary principle in assessing the quality of scores from a scale or test.
Brian E. Perron and David F. Gillespie
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- April 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199855483
- eISBN:
- 9780190235963
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199855483.003.0004
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
Reliability is the degree to which measurements are free from error, making reliability inversely related to error. Reliability goes hand-in-hand with validity, as any reputable introductory research ...
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Reliability is the degree to which measurements are free from error, making reliability inversely related to error. Reliability goes hand-in-hand with validity, as any reputable introductory research methods book will emphasize that reliability is a condition for validity. The amount of literature on the topic of reliability is further suggestive of its importance as the size of this literature dwarfs that of validity. Reliability and measurement error mirror each other. Understanding reliability requires understanding measurement error. In this chapter, the concept of measurement error is introduced from the perspective of classical test theory (CTT). The focus is on CTT because it serves as the foundation of reliability in social work research. An overview of the domain sampling model and the various types and sources of measurement error are then discussed, followed by different methods for assessing reliability. The chapter concludes with an overview of generalizability theory and item response theory, which are also used to conceptualize and evaluate measurement error.Less
Reliability is the degree to which measurements are free from error, making reliability inversely related to error. Reliability goes hand-in-hand with validity, as any reputable introductory research methods book will emphasize that reliability is a condition for validity. The amount of literature on the topic of reliability is further suggestive of its importance as the size of this literature dwarfs that of validity. Reliability and measurement error mirror each other. Understanding reliability requires understanding measurement error. In this chapter, the concept of measurement error is introduced from the perspective of classical test theory (CTT). The focus is on CTT because it serves as the foundation of reliability in social work research. An overview of the domain sampling model and the various types and sources of measurement error are then discussed, followed by different methods for assessing reliability. The chapter concludes with an overview of generalizability theory and item response theory, which are also used to conceptualize and evaluate measurement error.
Brian E. Perron and David F. Gillespie
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- April 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199855483
- eISBN:
- 9780190235963
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199855483.001.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
Measurement refers generally to the process of assigning a numeric value to, or ordering characteristics or traits of, entities under study so, ideally, the labels accurately represent the ...
More
Measurement refers generally to the process of assigning a numeric value to, or ordering characteristics or traits of, entities under study so, ideally, the labels accurately represent the characteristic measured. Measurement is necessary for building and testing theory, specifying problems, and de?ning goals. It is arguably one of the most important and difficult tasks in social work research. Social work researchers who are not expert in developing, selecting, and using measures will not be able to contribute maximally to the social work knowledge base. Such knowledge and skills related to measurement ultimately determines the extent to which social work research can effectively inform social policy and social work interventions. This book is to serve as a guide for developing, selecting, and using measures in social work research. The purpose of this book is twofold. The first purpose is to review key concepts in social work measurement, giving emphasis to aspects of measurement that are commonly misunderstood. The second purpose of this book is to help update social work's knowledge base with respect to recent and important developments in measurement, particularly contemporary validity theory.Less
Measurement refers generally to the process of assigning a numeric value to, or ordering characteristics or traits of, entities under study so, ideally, the labels accurately represent the characteristic measured. Measurement is necessary for building and testing theory, specifying problems, and de?ning goals. It is arguably one of the most important and difficult tasks in social work research. Social work researchers who are not expert in developing, selecting, and using measures will not be able to contribute maximally to the social work knowledge base. Such knowledge and skills related to measurement ultimately determines the extent to which social work research can effectively inform social policy and social work interventions. This book is to serve as a guide for developing, selecting, and using measures in social work research. The purpose of this book is twofold. The first purpose is to review key concepts in social work measurement, giving emphasis to aspects of measurement that are commonly misunderstood. The second purpose of this book is to help update social work's knowledge base with respect to recent and important developments in measurement, particularly contemporary validity theory.
