Objectives and Contextualisation

The objective of this module is for the student to be able to select, adapt or create the measurement instruments that best suit his research interests and possess adequate psychometric properties

The module begins with the exposition of the concepts of reliability and validity, as the main psychometric properties of the scores obtained with measuring instruments. The theoretical and empirical evidences are detailed, the designs and the indicators associated to these evidences. Due to its relevance in the validity and reliability assessment, we will present, among others, the techniques of factor analysis for the analysis of the internal structure, an evidence of validity, and the calculation of the Cronbach’ alpha and Omega coefficient as indices of internal consistency, an evidence of reliability. The different types of interpretation of the scores obtained with measurement instruments are also presented, both those referring to a criterion or to a group norm.

In the second part of the module, the knowledge acquired in the first part will be applied to the critical assessment of the adequacy of existing measuring instruments to certain evaluation needs. In case an instrument presents adequate properties but only versions are available in languages or for foreign cultures, the methodology will be explained to make linguistic and / or cultural adaptations.

Also for the case where it is necessary to elaborate a new instrument of measurement, the adequate methodology will be exposed to cover all the stages of the development of the instrument, from its design to its validation.

All sections of the module will work with normative documents or international recommendations.