title: Computer-administered interviews and rating scales.
abstract: To evaluate the value of computer-administered interviews and rating scales, the following topics are reviewed in the present article: (a) strengths and weaknesses of structured and unstructured assessment instruments, (b) advantages and disadvantages of computer administration, and (c) the validity and utility of computer-administered interviews and rating scales. Computer-administered evaluations are more comprehensive and reliable and less biased than evaluations routinely conducted in clinical practice. Also, the use of continuous monitoring systems, which increasingly entail the use of computer administration, has been related to improved treatment outcome. However, the use of computer-administered interviews and rating scales will sometimes lead to false positive diagnoses, and for this reason, it is recommended that computer assessment be combined with clinical judgment.
authors: Psychology Research Service, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX 78236-5300, USA. howard.garb@lackland.af.mil
authors: Howard N
authors: HN
authors: Garb
mesh_terms: D015982:Bias; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological / Q000379:methods*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011379:Prognosis; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D000092864:Suicide Prevention