title: Application of bayesian methodology to measure equivalence between two rating scales.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Little is known about measuring equivalence between two rating scales. Measuring the equivalence between two rating scales requires a study design and analysis conducive to clear interpretation of actual equivalence with simple inferences.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to show the use of bayesian methodology in determining equivalence within a simulated content validity study (to establish equivalence, not content validity).
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were randomized into two groups and responded to the items' perceived relevance or perceived correlation to a construct, job enjoyment. Items from the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighty-seven nursing faculty members from various schools of nursing participated. Findings revealed in all items having a posterior probability of >95% that rating scales are equivalent using an informative prior whereas using a weak or flat prior led to a minimal decrease in posterior probability results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prior and new information collected from this study was used to determine a posterior probability that a mean difference (±0.5 points) between the relevance and correlation group exists, thereby demonstrating equivalence between two rating scales.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. fpawlowicz@kumc.edu
authors.forename: Franchesca E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Pawlowicz
authors.forename: Byron J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Gajewski
authors.forename: Valorie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Coffland
authors.forename: Diane K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Boyle
authors.forename: Marjorie J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bott
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dunton
mesh_terms: D001499:Bayes Theorem; D005181:Faculty, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States