Reliability in rehabilitation measurement

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Dimitrov, Dimiter | Rumrill, Phillip | Fitzgerald, Shawn | Hennessey, Mary

Affiliations: Kent State University, Department of Educational Foundations and Special Services, 405 White Hall, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242-0001, USA. Tel.: +1 330 672 7918; Fax: +1 330 672 3737; E-Mail: ddimitrov@educ.kent.edu

Abstract: The article examines reliability as a key component of the psychometric properties of tests and inventories. What is reliability, types of reliability, why is reliability important, and other reliability issues are addressed in a manner that will help {\it Work} readers to better understand and apply psychometric considerations in the context of rehabilitation research. The authors contend that reliability is an essential condition for the psychometric soundness of measurement instruments that are used in rehabilitation research and practice.

Keywords: measurement, assessment, psychometric properties, reliability

Journal: Work, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 159-164, 2001