Hey guys I am writing a grad. research proposal as an assignment (a quantitative research). If the instrument I am proposing to use has not been validated or tested for its reliability, then what should I do with the tool if I really want to use it? Do I need to pilot test the tool (theoretically)?
Thanks!
.Eric
I pilot test helps, for sure. Other ways to establish reliability and validity can also help.
google this: Validating Research Instruments
If the instrument is designed based on the research questions, that helps to establish validity.
Why do you like it so much? Your reason for liking it might have some usefulness for establishing validity.
What is the instrument?
Susan, your advice is very helpful and has provided direction on how I should proceed with my r. proposal :) Well I am writing a nursing proposal on RN/RPN mixing and their relationship on severity of pressure ulcer. The tool I would like to use is The Pressure Ulcer Staging Tool by NPUAP.
Anyway, I will look more into pilot testing the tool :)
Thanks again!!
>ERiC
RN/RPN mixing and their relationship on severity of pressure ulcer.
So, this is about whether RN's and RPN's, working together, have a significant effect on it? I'm sorry if I'm missing something obvious. I'm not a nurse. But... you want to know something about the effect it has on people's ulcers?
BTW, a pilot test is something you can feel pretty comfortable with. A pilot test just means you try it out before the study.
This Pressure Ulcer Staging Tool .... has it been used in other studies? If so, that gives it some credibility.
EF_Kevin
Kevin, you are correct about the purpose of my study and I'd like to find out if a relationship exists between the variables...
The tool has been out since 2007 but I am surprised that no studies to date have tested its validity and reliability...Well it is also very popular tool among the health care field...
.Eric
I found an example of someone who created his own instrument. This is unrelated, but it might give you ideas:
Mckelvie, S. J. (2006). Attitude toward capital punishment is related to capital and non-capital sentencing. North American Journal of Psychology, 8(3), 567.
If your tool is very popular among health care professionals, it is at least somewhat established. So, I bet it will be great...
Kev, thank you for your pointers and your help is much appreciated!
>Eric
