Measurement error and reliability testing: Application to rehabilitation

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Author(s)
Bialocerkowski, AE
Bragge, P
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2008
Metadata
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Aims: Effective measurement of clinical outcomes is dependent on reliable outcome instruments. Measurement error and reliability testing are fundamental underpinnings of reliability. This article defi nes and illustrates sources of measurement error, outlines strategies for error minimization, and gives an overview of the types of reliability studies. Content: The two main sources of measurement error: systematic bias and random error, are discussed. The three major types of reliability evaluation are then illustrated: test-retest; intra-rater and inter-rater reliability, and the relationship between reliability and ...
View more >Aims: Effective measurement of clinical outcomes is dependent on reliable outcome instruments. Measurement error and reliability testing are fundamental underpinnings of reliability. This article defi nes and illustrates sources of measurement error, outlines strategies for error minimization, and gives an overview of the types of reliability studies. Content: The two main sources of measurement error: systematic bias and random error, are discussed. The three major types of reliability evaluation are then illustrated: test-retest; intra-rater and inter-rater reliability, and the relationship between reliability and validity is explained. Discussion and conclusions: Quantifi cation of measurement error is integral to determining the true effect of therapy, as quantifi ed by outcome measurement. Interpretation of reliability data involves consideration of many factors including demographic, diagnostic and clinical characteristics of the study sample
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View more >Aims: Effective measurement of clinical outcomes is dependent on reliable outcome instruments. Measurement error and reliability testing are fundamental underpinnings of reliability. This article defi nes and illustrates sources of measurement error, outlines strategies for error minimization, and gives an overview of the types of reliability studies. Content: The two main sources of measurement error: systematic bias and random error, are discussed. The three major types of reliability evaluation are then illustrated: test-retest; intra-rater and inter-rater reliability, and the relationship between reliability and validity is explained. Discussion and conclusions: Quantifi cation of measurement error is integral to determining the true effect of therapy, as quantifi ed by outcome measurement. Interpretation of reliability data involves consideration of many factors including demographic, diagnostic and clinical characteristics of the study sample
View less >
Journal Title
International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation
Volume
15
Issue
10
Publisher URI
Copyright Statement
© 2008 MA Healthcare. The attached file is reproduced here in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. Please refer to the journal's website for access to the definitive, published version.
Subject
Clinical sciences