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Selecting, developing, and evaluating research instruments

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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to provide researchers who are not experts in psychometric theory with a concise guide to instrument selection, development and evaluation. Issues of context – factors related to the setting or population in which an instrument will be used – and psychometrics – the functioning of an instrument within a given context – are reviewed and discussed. Finally, four categories or types of instruments, and the psychometric analyses that are necessary for establishing the reliability and validity of each type, are described.

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Accepted: 20 April 1999

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Switzer, G., Wisniewski, S., Belle, S. et al. Selecting, developing, and evaluating research instruments. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 34, 399–409 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001270050161

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s001270050161

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