The art and science of scale development in health education research

Colleen A. Mahoney, Dennis L. Thombs, Christine Z. Howe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

This conceptually-based article focuses on the value of the complementary or integrative use of qualitative and quantitative research methods in health education research. Specifically, the article describes a model for developing measurement scales using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The qualitative methods of open-ended interviews and focus groups are used to develop questionnaire items. Quantitative methods (e.g. factor analysis) are used to test and refine questionnaire subscales. A discussion of reliability and scale validation is offered along with illustrative examples from recent health education research.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-10
Number of pages10
JournalHealth Education Research
Volume10
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1995

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