A discussion on the role of clinimetrics and the misleading effects of psychometric theory.
BACKGROUND
Psychometric theory is the basis for the development of assessment instruments in psychiatric research.


METHODS
It has produced a number of variable methods for improving the validity and reliability of clinical assessment. However, the psychometric model appears to be largely inadequate in the clinical setting because of its lack of sensitivity to change and its quest for homogeneous components.


RESULTS
Clinimetrics offers a viable integration to psychometrics, both from a conceptual and a methodologic viewpoint.


CONCLUSIONS
Without such integration, psychometric rules and methods may lead to misleading effects in clinical research both in psychiatry and medicine.
Fava
Giovanni A
GA
Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, viale Berti Pichat 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy. giovanniandrea.fava@unibo.it
Belaise
Carlotta
C
D006801:Humans; D008490:Medical Informatics / Q000379:methods*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics