Measurement instruments in health care science - validity and reliability and clinical applicability, 15 credits

A Bachelor's degree within health care or sports and training. Or a professional qualification of at least 180 credits within one of these fields including at least 15 credits in scientific theory and method and/or degree project, or a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. English and Swedish language skills equivalent to English A and Swedish B at Swedish upper secondary school are also required.

The aim of the course is that the student should have acquired a research-ethical attitude 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 required to be able to develop measurement instruments through validation and reliability testing.

The student should on completion of the course independently be able to
1. explain the measurement process concerning different variables with various types of measurement instruments and data levels;
2. explain central concepts within test theory such as psychometrics, validity and reliability;
3. critically appraise scientific articles about validity and reliability of measurement instruments;
4. plan a study design and carry out a smaller study with the aim to study reliability or validity;
5. evaluate statistical methods for the analysis of validity and reliability of measurement instruments, carry out statistical analyses and evaluate the results;
6. suggest procedures for adaptation of measurement instruments to other patient group/context;
7. reflect on ethical aspects concerning measurement instruments;
8. reflect on measurement processes and measurement instruments together with other professions to strengthen the interprofessional understanding and communication.

The course consists of two parts.

The course is organised as a modified distance education with the web-based teaching platform Ping Pong 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 for 1-2 days on the course location campus at Huddinge will be organised once a month. These 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 Ping Pong and during the course meetings.

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

Part 2: 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.

Examination will be provided during a time of one year after a possible close-down of the course. Examination can be according to an earlier literature list during a time of one year after the date when renewal of the literature list was made.

Language of instruction: Swedish.

Course evaluation is made during the course, and at completion of the course with KI's computer-based course questionnaire, in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Higher Education.