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PubMed1990

Psychotherapy process research: progress, dilemmas, and future directions.

The first several decades of psychotherapy process research have produced advances in measure development and substantive findings of process-outcome relations. A recent paradigm shift toward sequentially patterned, significant change episodes is described, emphasizing segmentation of process by meaningful patterns wherever they occur. Theoretical, psychometric, and data analytic dilemma are reviewed. Strategies are offered that may enhance future research efforts. These include greater attention to construct validity of measures, the relation of process to phase-specific outcome criteria, and the continuing development of multivariate data analytic strategies that take into account Patient X Treatment interactions as well as the sequential dependency of process data. The development of a national archive of significant change events is recommended to advance modeling of the change process, segmentation, construct validation of measures, integration of qualitative and quantitative approaches, and development of a cross-theoretical language for therapy process.

Follow-Up Studies↗

PubMed2003

Validation of a Sinhalese translation of the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 for use with older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To test the psychometric properties of a Sinhalese translation of the OHIP-14 scale for use among older adults in Sri Lanka. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. The English version of the OHIP-14 was translated in to Sinhalese, pre-tested and subsequently administered to the subjects by a trained interviewer. SETTING: Moratuwa--a densely populated urban area in the Western province of Sri Lanka. SUBJECTS: 585 individuals aged 60 years and above. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reliability of the translated scale was assessed in terms of internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was evaluated by examining the associations between perceived oral health status, perceived need for dental care and the OHIP scores. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha of the translated scale was 0.93. Corrected item-total correlation coefficients ranged from 0.53-0.80. The highly significant associations between perceived oral health status, perceived need for dental care and the OHIP scores support the construct validity of the translated scale. CONCLUSION: The Sinhalese translation of the OHIP-14 is a valid and reliable instrument to measure oral health related quality of life in older adults of Sri Lanka.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Validation of a six-task simulation model in minimally invasive surgery.

BACKGROUND: The content validity of currently available inanimate simulation models is questionable, because some tasks seem too far from clinical reality. The aim of this study was to validate a simulation model with six tasks commonly used in clinical practice (6-TSM) for the acquisition of psychomotor skills in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). METHODS: This was a prospective randomized trial comparing the 6-TSM to a previously described three-task training method (3-TTM). All first, second, and third postgraduate year surgical residents were eligible. The 6-TSM included clipping and dividing of a vessel, excision of lesion, appendectomy, mesh repair, suturing perforation, and hand-sewn anastomosis. The outcome measures of 6-TSM included accuracy error, tissue damage, sliding knot, leak, operating time, and dangerous movements. After completion of training, 6-TSM and 3-TTN residents were tested by the Minimally Invasive Surgical Trainer-Virtual Reality (MIST-VR). Criterion-related and construct validity, responsiveness, test-retest, and interrater reliability were assessed. RESULTS: During six months, 17 residents underwent training with the 6-TSM or the 3-TTM as allocated. The mean duration of training with 6-TSM and 3-TTM was similar (7.8 vs 8.1 h). The criterion-related validity of the 6-TSM was shown by significantly increased skill improvement in the 6-TSM residents, as compared with the 3-TTM residents at MIST-VR. Construct validity the of 6-TSM was shown by the finding that the experts' baseline was superior to the residents' baseline. The responsiveness of the 6-TSM was shown by the significantly increased skill improvement of the 6-TSM residents in sliding knot, leak, and operating time. The test-retest reliability of the 6-TSM was good (> 0.80), except for accuracy error and dangerous movements (Cronbach's intraclass correlation coefficient alpha: 0.57, p < 0.0001; 0.62, p < 0.0001, respectively). The interrater reliability of the 6-TSM was good (>0.80) except for leak (Kendall's concordance coefficient tau_b:0.76, p = 0.06 for hand-sewn anastomosis) and dangerous movements (tau_b:0.72, p = 0.08 for suturing perforation and tau_b:0.68, p = 0.10 for hand-sewn anastomosis). The perresident cost for 6-TSM was 769 dollars. CONCLUSIONS: The 6-TSM is a valid and reliable learning tool for surgical residents' acquisition of laparoscopic motor skills.

Clinical Competence↗

PubMed2005

Development and evaluation of an instrument to assess social difficulties in routine oncology practice.

PURPOSE: To develop and preliminarily evaluate a Social Difficulties Inventory (SDI) for use in oncology practice. METHODS: Item generation from patients (n = 96), staff (n = 49) and the literature. Questions constructed and pre-tested (n = 42) resulting in a 22-item questionnaire. Psychometric evaluation (n = 271) assessed frequency of endorsement, factor structure, summated scales and construct validity followed by randomisation to criterion validity or test-retest arms. RESULTS: Items met preset frequency of endorsement criteria. Factor analysis revealed a four-factor structure, three clearly definable, (1) Physical ability, (2) Providing for the family and (3) Contact with others, explaining 45.8% variance. Summated scales developed from these demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach's alpha > 0.7) and were used to test and confirmed construct validity. Several comparators from the Life Events and Difficulties Schedule (LEDS) and Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System Short Form (CARES-SF) tested criterion validity and majority agreements were moderate to good. Test-retest reliability was good with most kappa values > 0.6. One item was eliminated resulting in a 21-item questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The SDI is relevant and easy to understand. Initial psychometric evaluation was encouraging. Ongoing work to evaluate the clinical meaning and utility of the instrument and to examine the relationships between SDI scores and clinical outcomes will provide guidance about its usefulness as an assessment tool in routine oncology practice.

Factor Analysis, Statistical↗

PubMed2004

Factors associated with the acceptance of an AIDS vaccine: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral issues relative to acceptance of an HIV vaccine have been understudied. This exploratory study identified factors that may preclude people from accepting an AIDS vaccine when one is developed and approved for use. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 278 adults, from different at-risk populations, was conducted. Sixteen items assessed participants' concerns about receiving an AIDS vaccine if one was approved for use. Data reduction was achieved by principal components analysis, using an oblique rotation. Reliability and construct validity of subscales were determined. Finally, logistic regression models were used to identify demographic correlates of each precluding factor. RESULTS: A four-factor solution accounted for 59.5% of the variance. Three factors achieved satisfactory inter-item reliability: labeled as (1) personal issues, (2) product concerns, and (3) stigma-associated worry. Findings suggest that the three factors had construct validity. Each factor was associated with a unique demographic profile and two factors were associated with self-reported hepatitis B vaccination. CONCLUSION: Subsequent studies should use these exploratory findings (and possibly the measurement instrument) to tailor intervention programs aimed at promoting an AIDS vaccine. Because these studies will be time consuming, prudence dictates the initiation of further behavioral research before an AIDS vaccine is developed and approved.

AIDS Vaccines↗

PubMed1991

Multitrait-multimethod analysis of health-related quality-of-life measures.

Interest in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is burgeoning and there has been a proliferation of self-report measures of HRQOL. However, only two instruments available for measuring HRQOL have been calibrated using empirically derived preferences; both are long and complex. This study tested a brief survey designed to concurrently assess HRQOL and preferences for different HRQOL states. Multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) analysis was used to evaluate the construct validity of the survey in a convenience sample of 116 persons. Two methods were used to assess six aspects of HRQOL: general health perceptions, meaningful activities, outlook on life, physical suffering, self-care activities, and social relationships. HRQOL preferences were assessed using two methods similar to those used for self-reports, as well as one additional method. The construct validity of self-reported HRQOL was supported. On the other hand, substantial method variance and little valid trait variance was observed for the HRQOL preferences. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for evaluating and measuring HRQOL and related preferences.

Factor Analysis, Statistical↗

PubMed2005

Validation of a pediatric caregiver diary to measure symptoms of postacute respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis.

Acute respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced bronchiolitis is often associated with continuing respiratory symptoms following hospitalization. To date, there is no validated objective measure to evaluate symptoms of RSV-induced bronchiolitis. We report on the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the bronchiolitis caregiver diary (BCD) of symptoms and healthcare utilization associated with postacute RSV. The BCD measures four symptoms (daytime cough, wheeze, trouble breathing, and nighttime cough), healthcare utilization, and rescue medication for worsening of lung symptoms. Data from the 4-week treatment period of the reported prospective, placebo-controlled trial of montelukast for treatment of postacute RSV were used to assess reliability (internal consistency and test-retest), construct validity (cross-sectional and longitudinal correlations), discriminant validity (known-groups analyses), and responsiveness. The primary outcome of this study was the percentage of symptom-free days (SFD). The secondary outcome was a composite symptom score (CSS; average of daytime cough, wheezing, and trouble breathing). Cronbach's alpha of 0.85 indicated that the four symptoms were internally consistent, supporting a unidimensional scale structure. Test-retest reliabilities for the percentage of SFD and CSS were above the recommended cut point of 0.70. Cross-sectional and longitudinal correlations were sizeable and statistically significant, demonstrating construct validity. Hypothesized known-group differences were statistically significant in the appropriate direction. Responsiveness analyses indicated moderate effect sizes for percentage of SFD. In conclusion, the BCD provides a valid, reliable, and responsive tool for the assessment of symptoms of postacute RSV-induced bronchiolitis, capable of measuring moderate effect sizes, and demonstrating responsiveness to therapy.

Bronchiolitis, Viral↗

PubMed2006

Lack of validity of a French adaptation of a scale measuring attitudes towards clinical practice guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Valid instruments to measure practitioners' attitudes towards clinical practice guidelines need to be developed. However, few of the available instruments have been thoroughly validated. OBJECTIVE: To adapt into French and to test the reliability and validity of a scale for measurement of attitudes towards guidelines developed by Elovainio et al. METHODS: A 27-item scale (divided into six dimensions) measuring attitudes towards guidelines was translated into French by two English native translators, reviewed and finalized by expert committee and administered to 314 practitioners who agreed to participate. Main practitioners' characteristics were collected. Item and dimension reproducibility were assessed for 62 practitioners by calculation of intraclass correlation coefficients. Internal construct validity was assessed by principal components analyses. Convergent and discriminant validity were analysed. RESULTS: Item response rates ranged from 82 to 100%. In the test-retest procedure, intraclass correlation coefficients for separate items ranged from 0.1 to 0.7 and those for dimensions were 0.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.5-0.8] for usefulness, 0.5 (0.3-0.6) for reliability, 0.4 (0.2-0.5) for individual competence, 0.5 (0.3-0.6) for organizational competence, 0.7 (0.5-0.8) for impracticality and 0.4 (0.3-0.6) for availability. The factorial structure after Varimax rotation showed that none of the different solutions obtained had a strictly comparable structure to that of the original scale. External construct validity was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: This scale does not have satisfactory psychometric properties and therefore cannot confidently be used in future research assessing whether attitudes towards guidelines are a determining factor in physicians' compliance with guidelines. More research is needed to develop valid scales in a more rigorous procedure, involving qualitative and quantitative steps.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMed1997

Quality of life for children with otitis media.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in health-related quality of life for children with otitis media. DESIGN: Cohort study using a 6-item quality-of-life survey (OM-6) representing the domains of physical suffering, hearing loss, speech impairment, emotional distress, activity limitations, and caregiver concerns. SETTING: Hospital-based pediatric otolaryngology practice in a metropolitan area. PATIENTS: One hundred eighty-six children aged 6 months to 12 years (median age, 3.4 years) with chronic otitis media with effusion or recurrent acute otitis media. INTERVENTION: The OM-6 was completed at entry by the child's caregiver and again at least 4 weeks after routine clinical care. Otoscopic findings, static admittance, tympanometric width, audiometric thresholds, and ear-related global quality of life (10-point visual scale) were recorded concurrently. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Test-retest reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness to longitudinal change of the OM-6 survey score (mean value of the 6 items). RESULTS: Excellent test-retest reliability was obtained for the survey score (R=0.87) and individual survey items (R> or =0.71). The median survey score was 2.8 (95% confidence interval, 2.7-3.0) of a maximum 7.0, with higher values indicating poorer quality of life. Construct validity was shown by significant correlations between the survey score and global ear-related quality of life (R=-0.64), between physical suffering and physician visits in the past month (R=0.47), and between caregiver concerns and antibiotics consumed in the past month (R=0.26). The mean change in survey scores after tympanostomy tubes was 1.7, with a standardized response mean of 1.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.4-2.0), indicating large responsiveness to change. The change score was reliable (R=0.82) and correlated well with the degree of reported clinical change (R=0.66). CONCLUSIONS: The OM-6 is a valid, reliable, and responsive measure of quality of life for children with otitis media. The brevity and ease of administration make the OM-6 ideal for use in outcomes studies, clinical trials, and routine clinical care.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2006

The MMPI-2 Restructured Clinical Scales: a paradigmatic shift in scale development.

Tellegen et al. (2003) proposed fundamental changes in MMPI-2 (Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, & Kaemmer, 1989) scale development by discarding empirical scale development in favor of construct validation via Jackson's (1970) sequential system of scale development. As a result of their efforts, a general distress factor (Demoralization) was identified and 8 Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales were developed. Using 7,330 clinical cases from Caldwell's (1997) data set, in this study, we sought to cross-validate the MMPI-2 RC Scales. Scale homogeneity was confirmed with high alpha coefficients and interitem correlations in the expected range. We also achieved a major objective of reducing interscale correlations. In replicating Tellegen et al.'s principal components analysis, we achieved a high concordance for 6 of the 8 RC Scales. We critically examine these results in light of Jackson's construct validation. We discuss the clinical usefulness of the MMPI-2 RC Scales within the context of current and future research.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[The validation of a questionnaire for measuring the organizational climate in health centers].

OBJECTIVE: To check the reliability and to analyse the validity of a questionnaire on organisational atmosphere (OA). DESIGN: Crossover and observational. SETTING: Primary care teams (PCTs). PARTICIPANTS: Two questionnaires were offered to all the doctors, nurses and social workers (548 professionals) from the 29 PCTs in an autonomous community. One questionnaire was on the OA and the other was a subjective assessment of satisfaction with the structure and functioning of their own team. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: When the results were analysed (initial factorial analysis), 3 items with only slight discrimination were eliminated from the OA questionnaire. Construction validity (factorial analysis with varimax method), reliability of the questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha and Spearman-Brown coefficient) and of criterion (correlation between OA and variables in the subjective assessment questionnaire) were calculated. The overall response rate was 77.5% (402 professionals). Three dimensions which explained 57% of total variability and which confirmed adequate construction validity were identified: team-work, cohesion and commitment. "Team-work" comprised 9 items and explained 27.18% of total variability. "Cohesion" had 7 items, which explained 16.55% of variability. Lastly, "Commitment" explained 13.47% of variability, with 5 items. The validity of criterion was adequate (close correlation between OA and subjective assessment of structure and operation). Reliability was high (0.89 alpha and 0.92 Spearman-Brown for the entire questionnaire and > 0.7 for the dimensions). CONCLUSIONS: The reliability and validity of the adapted questionnaire are sufficient and permit its routine primary care use in our health system to be recommended.

Community Health Centers↗

PubMed2003

Psychometric properties of an index of emotional distress in the U.S. National Comorbidity Survey.

BACKGROUND: The National Comorbidity Survey (NCS; Kessler et al. 1994) was a nationwide household survey of the U.S. population designed to produce data on the prevalence and correlates of psychiatric disorders. The NCS dataset is now in public-use format and continues to be widely used for ongoing research efforts. The NCS dataset included a set of 14 items that have face validity as a measure of current emotional distress (depression and anxiety) and could serve as a potentially useful continuous measure of psychological distress. However, there have been no published studies on its psychometric properties and this measure has not yet been utilized by researchers using the NCS dataset. This paper provides an evaluation of the psychometric properties of the NCS Distress Index. METHOD: The NCS Part II public-use dataset (N = 5877) was used. Detailed diagnostic information was collected along with 14 items assessing current psychological distress and measures of Neuroticism and Openness to Experience. RESULTS: The NCS Distress Index was found to be internally consistent (Alpha = 0.92) and a series of principal-components analyses demonstrated that the measure is most accurately conceptualized as a single-factor measure of general distress. The construct validity of the Distress Index was supported by its associations with the measures of Neuroticism and Openness to Experience. A series of comparisons between diagnostic groups also supported the construct validity of the measure. For example, those with disorders characterized by depressed mood and worry scored higher on the Distress Index than those with disorders characterized by fear and hyperarousal. CONCLUSIONS: The NCS Distress Index is a psychometrically sound measure of current emotional distress. Future studies utilizing the NCS public-use dataset could potentially benefit from the inclusion of this measure in addition to more commonly investigated categorical variables such as diagnosable disorders.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) and Lequesne osteoarthritis indices for clinical research.

OBJECTIVE: Our aims were to translate WOMAC and Lequesne osteoarthritis (OA) indices into Korean (KWOMAC, KLequesne) and confirm their reliability, validity, and responsiveness. DESIGN: The WOMAC and Lequesne indices were translated into Korean by three translators and translated back into English by three different translators. Fifty consecutive patients with OA were asked to rate the comprehensibility of the questions on a 4-point scale. The comprehensibility (responding with 'good' and 'very good') ranged from 78% to 99%. Test-retest was performed in another 47 patients with knee OA. The final 53 patients with knee OA, within the context of a clinical trial of two non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs for 4 weeks, were studied to assess the internal consistency, construct validity, and responsiveness of the Korean versions. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability of the KWOMAC 3 subscales and the KLequesne yielded intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.79-0.89 and 0.87. The Cronbach standardized alphas were 0.81-0.96 and 0.75, respectively. For the construct validity, the correlation coefficients of both the KWOMAC subscales and the KLequesne with patient pain assessment and patient global assessment were between 0.30 and 0.70 and the KWOMAC subscales correlated with the KLequesne (0.41-0.55). For responsiveness, the KWOMAC and KLequesne scores significantly improved by 4-week post-treatment compared with pre-treatment; effect size values were between 0.41 and 0.69 for the KWOMAC subscales and 0.70 for the KLequesne; and the relative efficiency values of the KWOMAC subscales vs the KLequesne were between 0.87 and 0.90. CONCLUSIONS: The reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the KWOMAC and the KLequesne are confirmed.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Validation of the asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ-UK English version) in Indian asthmatic subjects.

BACKGROUND: The Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) has been shown to have strong measurement properties. Quality of life instruments need to be validated under local conditions before these can be accepted for application in that community. The AQLQ has not been formally validated in India. OBJECTIVES: To measure the evaluative and discriminative properties of the AQLQ (UK English version) in Indian asthmatics. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-eight adult patients with asthma underwent spirometry and completed the AQLQ and the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), administered by an interviewer. Standard treatment was given for four weeks during which daytime and nocturnal symptoms of asthma, and use of rescue medication were recorded in diaries. The questionnaires were administered again at the end of four weeks and spirometry was repeated. RESULTS: The total and domain-wise scores of AQLQ improved in patients whose control of asthma improved during treatment. It had good reproducibility with no changes in scores in patients whose condition remained stable, and also high intraclass correlation coefficients for the total and domain-wise scores in these patients. Significant correlations were found between the changes in AQLQ scores and in ACQ scores confirming the longitudinal construct validity. The symptoms domain score of the AQLQ was related significantly to the patient diary-recorded scores of cough, sputum and nocturnal asthma. Cross-sectional construct validity of AQLQ was established by demonstrating significant correlation of total, and symptoms and emotions domain scores with the ACQ scores. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the AQLQ (UK English version) has sufficiently acceptable evaluative and discriminatory properties in Indian subjects and is therefore a valid instrument for quality of life measurements in clinical and research studies in asthmatics in Indian patients.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Measuring quality of life in children with obstructive sleep disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To validate a disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) instrument for children with obstructive sleep disorders (OSDs). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study using a 6-item health-related instrument (OSD-6). SUBJECTS: One hundred caregivers of patients with OSDs secondary to adenotonsillar hypertrophy (age range, 2-12 years) from 2 tertiary care, pediatric otolaryngology practices. INTERVENTION: The OSD-6 was administered on initial presentation and 4 to 5 weeks after adenotonsillectomy. A subset of patients repeated the OSD-6 within 3 weeks after presentation to assess test-retest reliability. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Test-retest reliability, internal consistency, construct validity, and responsiveness to clinical change of the OSD-6 score. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability was good (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.74). Median OSD-6 score was 4.5 (0- to 6-point scale) with higher scores indicating poorer quality of life (QOL). Construct validity was demonstrated by the moderate correlation between OSD-6 score and global adenoid and tonsil-related QOL (R = -0.62), strong correlation between the OSD-6 change score and change in global adenoid and tonsil-related QOL (R = -0.63), and the moderate correlation between the change score and parent estimate of clinical change (R = 0.40). The mean change in OSD-6 score after adenotonsillectomy was 3.0 (95% confidence interval, 2.7-3.4). The mean standardized response was 2.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.9-2.7) indicating the instrument's large responsiveness to clinical change. The change score was very reliable (R = 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: The OSD-6 is a reliable, responsive, easily administered instrument. It is valid for detecting change after adenotonsillectomy in children with OSDs. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2000;126:1423-1429

Adenoidectomy↗

PubMed2002

Development of a survey to assess backpack use and neck and back pain in seventh and eighth graders.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop and test the reliability and validity of a pilot survey of backpack use and neck and back pain in seventh and eighth graders. METHODS: A survey was developed on the basis of literature review and expert input. The survey was administered to 69 seventh and eighth graders. One week later, the survey was readministered to 20 students. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Test-retest reliability was examined by calculating the percentage of agreement and kappa values. Construct validity was assessed by determining whether hypothesized age and gender differences in responses were present. RESULTS: The internal consistency of responses related to neck or back pain and backpack use was high, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.83 and 0.85, respectively. Percentage of agreement for the neck and back pain responses ranged from 45% to 100% (mean [SD] = 77% [15%]). The kappa coefficients ranged from 0.10 to 1.00 (mean [SD] = 0.54 [0.23]). Percentage of agreement for backpack use questions ranged from 60% to 100% (mean [SD] = 84% [9%]). The kappa coefficients ranged from 0.14 to 1.00 (mean [SD] = 0.59 [0.20]). Construct validity of the survey was partially supported. Age and gender differences in neck and back pain varied with the question. Age and gender differences in backpack use were consistent and as hypothesized. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide preliminary support for the use of this survey with seventh and eighth graders. Additional testing is needed to assess reliability and validity in a larger, more diverse sample.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1995

Construction and validation of an alternate form general mental health scale for the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey.

Alternate-form health measures are useful for clinical trials or health services research requiring repeated administrations over a short interval of time. Further, by using alternate-form methodology, they can be utilized to estimate score reliability. Data from the Medical Outcomes Study were used to evaluate five alternate forms of the Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) general mental health scale (MHI-5). Well-established psychometric criteria were used to select the best alternate form and to estimate the reliability of the MHI-5 using the alternate-form methodology. Although a considerable degree of comparability across the five alternate forms was observed for criteria pertaining to estimates of item-internal consistency and reliability, distributional characteristics of scales, tests of empirical validity, and score equivalence at the individual level, we recommend one alternate form that satisfied all evaluation criteria and did so better than any other alternate form. Using the alternate-form methodology of estimating reliability, results suggest that the internal-consistency method underestimates the reliability of the MHI-5 by 3%. The methodology presented here should prove useful to others interested in constructing and evaluating alternate forms, and the alternate form recommended here (MHI-5AF) should prove useful across many health status assessment applications.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Revised NEO Personality Inventory profiles of narcissistic and nonnarcissistic people.

This study investigated the construct validity of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory against the Revised NEO Personality Inventory to test the hypothesis that narcissistic and nonnarcissistic people have different personality profiles. The two inventories were administered to 96 male and 92 female undergraduates. Multivariate as well as univariate analyses of variance indicated that the Revised NEO Personality Inventory profiles were significantly different for narcissistic and nonnarcissistic groups which supported the construct validity of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory.

Adolescent↗