Are caregivers' reports of motivation valid? Reliability and validity of the Reiss Profile MR/DD.
BACKGROUND
Sensitivity theory proposes that there are wide individual differences in what motivates people with intellectual disability. The Reiss Profile MR/DD is a rating scale that measures 15 fundamental motives. This study examined the internal consistency and interrater reliability of the 15 subscales as well as the validity of motivational profiles.


METHODS
The study consisted of two distinct but related steps. First, the interrater reliability of the rating scale was established by having pairs of raters evaluate 48 individuals. Second, raters were presented with three different motivational profiles and asked to identify which one corresponded to the individual they had rated 4 weeks earlier.


RESULTS
Results indicated good internal consistency (average alpha=0.84), significant variability in the interrater reliability (average intraclass correlation coefficient=0.52), and excellent validity (95% of the correct profiles were chosen). Average discrepancies between pairs of raters are presented.


CONCLUSIONS
Interrater reliability is an important topic for professionals working in the field of intellectual disability and results are discussed in terms of the factors that affect it. This is the first published study to report on the interrater reliability of the Reiss Profile MR/DD.
Lecavalier
L
L
Department of Psychology and Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. lecavalier.1@osu.edu
Havercamp
S M
SM
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D015588:Observer Variation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires