title: Measurement in occupational therapy.
abstract: Occupational therapists use many forms of measurement tools to assess the existing and potential functions of their clients. Too often the principles of measurement theory have not been applied in the development of such instruments and the resulting assessments have no established validity or reliability. This article presents basic measurement theory and appropriate procedures for estimating validity and reliability within an occupational therapy framework. Special considerations with regard to measurement of motor behavior are emphasized. An understanding of these assesment principles can enable a therapist to construct measurement scales that are valid, reliable, and yield data of scientific value.
mesh_terms: D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009788:Occupational Therapy