Introduction to health measurement scales

J Psychosom Res. 2010 Apr;68(4):319-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2010.01.006.

Abstract

Both research and clinical decision making rely on measurement scales. These scales vary with regard to their psychometric properties, ease of administration, dimensions covered by the scale, and other properties. This article reviews the main psychometric characteristics of scales and assesses their utility.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Observer Variation
  • Psychometrics / methods*
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / psychology
  • Psychosomatic Medicine / methods*
  • Psychosomatic Medicine / statistics & numerical data*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Surveys and Questionnaires