title: Developing an original tool for research.
abstract: An instrument must be tested for validity and reliability before it can be used to measure the variables of interest specified in the research design. If the instrument is not valid and reliable, then the results of a study have limited credibility or usefulness in practice. The process is meticulous, but the results are gratifying when new data on nurse practitioners can be generated.
authors.affiliation: Center for Faculty/Staff Development, University of Connecticut.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Thibodeau
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Hawkins
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000523:psychology; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D012106:Research; D012647:Self-Assessment