Course syllabus for Measurement instruments in health care science

Mätinstrument inom vårdvetenskap

Outcomes

The aim of the course is that the student should have acquired knowledge about measurement instruments within caring science to be able to identify, evaluate and use measurement instruments, independently, for different patient categories in clinical work. Furthermore, the aim is to acquire the ability and skills to be able to test and analyse measurement instruments' validity and reliability.

The student should on completion of the course independently be able to

• explain the measurement process concerning different variables with various types of measurement instruments and data levels
• explain central concepts within test theory: psychometrics, validity and reliability
• critically appraise scientific articles about validity and reliability of measurement instruments
• carry out a smaller study with the aim to study reliability or validity
• evaluate statistical methods for the analysis of validity and reliability of measurement instruments, carry out statistical analysis and evaluate the results
• reflect on ethical aspects concerning measurement instruments
• reflect on measurement processes and measurement instruments together with other professions to strengthen the interprofessional understanding and communication.

Content

The course consists of two parts.

Test theory, 3.0 credits

Grading scale: GU
Part 1 contains:

• Classical and modern test theory about development and evaluation of measurement instruments

• Central concepts such as psychometrics, validity, reliability, variable, data level

• Translation and adaptation of instruments to new cultures or client groups

• Critical appraisal of scientific method articles about reliability and validity
  

  Analysis of measurement instrument, 4.5 credits

  
  Grading scale: GU
  Part 2 contains:

• Study design to study psychometric properties of measurement instrument.

• Statistical methods for evaluation of psychometric properties of measurement instruments.

Teaching methods

The course is organised as a modified distance education with the web-based teaching platform Canvas as a basis, why access to computer is required. Individual work therefore takes place continuously during the whole course. In virtual discussion forums, the students will in groups discuss study assignments and give one another feedback. Course meetings consist of lectures alternated with work in groups and compulsory seminars in interprofessional groups where assignments are presented and discussed. Communication with the teachers takes place continuously in Canvasg and during the course meetings.

The examiner decides whether, and if so how, absence from compulsory course elements can be made up. Study results cannot be reported until the student has participated in compulsory course elements or compensated for any absence in accordance with instructions from the examiner. Absence from a compulsory course element could mean that the student can not retake the element until the next time the course is offered.

Examination

Part 1: Written review in small groups, including appraisal, of articles about the psychometric properties of measurement instruments within an optional field. Presentation and discussion with opponent in seminars.

Part 2: An individually written report of collected data or from database containing aim, design, relevant statistical analysis, results and interpretation related to central concepts in the course. Presentation and discussion with opponent in seminars.

In case of absence from an examination seminar a complementary assignment is agreed on with the responsible teacher.

Student who has not passed after regular examination session has the right to participate at further five examination sessions. If the student has carried out six failed examinations/tests no more examination session will be given. Examination session to which the student has registered but not participated in will not be counted as an examination session.

If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus's regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities may not be changed, removed or reduced.

Literature and other teaching aids

• Standards for educational and psychological testing, Washington, DC : American Educational Research Association, c1999 - ix, 194 p. ISBN: 0-935302-25-5, LIBRIS-ID: 6806808,
• Streiner, David L.; Norman, Geoffrey R.; Cairney, John, Health measurement scales: a practical guide to their development and use, 5. ed. : Oxford : Oxford University Press, cop. 2015 - xiii, 399 p. ISBN: 978-0-19-968521-9, LIBRIS-ID: 16901954,

• Altman, Douglas D, Practical statistics for Medical Research, London : Chapman & Hall/CRC, 1992 - 611 pp ISBN: 0412276305,
• McDowell, Ian, Measuring health: a guide to rating scales and questionnaires, 3. ed. : New York : Oxford University Press, 2006 - 748 s. ISBN: 0-19-516567-5 (cloth : alk. paper), LIBRIS-ID: 10106244,
• Norman, Geoffrey R.; Streiner, David L, Biostatistics: the bare essentials, 3. ed. : Hamilton : B.C. Decker, 2008 - xi, 393 s. ISBN: 1-55009-347-9, LIBRIS-ID: 10734740,
• Brace, Nicola.; Kemp, Richard; Snelgar, Rosemary., SPSS for psychologists, 4th ed. : Basingstoke : Palgrave Macmillan, 2009. - xi, 454 s. ISBN: 978-0-230-59459-3 (pbk.), LIBRIS-ID: 11490159,