The art and science of scale development in health education research.
This conceptually-based article focuses on the value of the complementary or integrative use of qualitative and quantitative research methods in health education research. Specifically, the article describes a model for developing measurement scales using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The qualitative methods of open-ended interviews and focus groups are used to develop questionnaire items. Quantitative methods (e.g. factor analysis) are used to test and refine questionnaire subscales. A discussion of reliability and scale validation is offered along with illustrative examples from recent health education research.
Mahoney
C A
CA
Department of Health Sciences, SUNY Brockport 14420-2976, USA.
Thombs
D L
DL
Howe
C Z
CZ
D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006266:Health Education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods; D012107:Research Design