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ASSESSING A CLIENT

Measurement involves giving scores to individuals representing some characteristics of that person. This is done by researchers where they use a measure in confirmation that the scores are making sense depending on the understanding of a professional about the construct being measured such as depression level, self-esteem among others (Leung, 2015). Two general dimensions are used in evaluating a measurement method. These two dimensions are reliability and validity. These are important concepts within psychometrics. These two are distinct and no relation between them is necessary. Reliability refers to how a measure is consistent. Researchers, therefore, measure the consistency of a construct across time. The scores that are obtained are supposed to be consistent across time. Good intelligence measure, for instance, is supposed to produce roughly the same scores for an individual across time (Walker, et al., 2017). When talking about psychological tests, the test can be either valid or not. Validity is, therefore, the degree to which a certain measure represents the variable they projected to. It is possible for a measure to be reliable but has no validity at all. When opting for one of these, a counselor will, therefore, look at the characteristics they want to be assessed and then choose the preferred method.

References

Leung, L. (2015). Validity, reliability, and generalizability in qualitative research. Journal of family medicine and primary care, 4(3), 324.

Walker, B., Flynn, S., & Johnson, R. (2017). RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF HEALTH IN MOTION© FALLS SCREENING TOOL. Innovation in aging, 1(Suppl 1), 374.

Response 1

I agree with H.A's post that reliability tells a researcher how consistent the test is while on the other hand validity gives more details concerning the accuracy of that particular test being measured. Validity helps expound what characteristics the test measures and ho well that particular test measures that characteristics. Assessment instruments are very important in checking the validity of a test. It is much more important ensuring that the tests that are taken are reliable and valid so that one can take the right course of action. This is especially because this is what is used in classifying the patient based on the stated interpretation. Tests that are not valid and reliable could be harmful to the patient treatment plan. It is very critical therefore to ensure that the individuals undertaking the tests undertake one of the two tests. Choosing the right test to administer to the client will entirely depend on the professional. The professional weigh the characteristics and decides which of the two should be administered to the patient depending on the characteristics that are present (Valentine, et al., 2015).

Response 2

DV post has given very good points in understanding the difference between validity and reliability. I agree with the post that validity will give information concerning how good a test is for a particular characteristic that is being tested (Loewenthal, & Lewis, 2018). On the other hand, reliability will explicitly tell a researcher how trusted a score on that particular test will be. It not possible to conclude a test score until you are very sure about the reliability of the test. However, it is also important to mention that a test can be reliable but the same test is not valid. In most cases, one should select a test that is both reliable and valid. The validity of the test is established about a certain purpose meaning that the test may not be valid for different purposes. When this happens, the researcher proceeds to the next assessment principle. The counselor should first consider what they wish to measure and then decide the way forward. For instance, a test that has specific characteristics best fits reliability.

References

Loewenthal, K., & Lewis, C. A. (2018). An introduction to psychological tests and scales. Psychology press.

Valentine, M. A., Nembhard, I. M., & Edmondson, A. C. (2015). Measuring teamwork in health care settings: a review of survey instruments. Medical care, 53(4), e16-e30.