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.
