Assessment and measurement of psychosocial variables: a challenge for nursing research and attention

Abstract

Assessment and measurement of psychosocial variables are challenging. These constructs are complex, and there is distrust as to the validity of using standardized instruments for their measurement. There is a large variety of instruments and much confusion regarding the terms used to describe the validity and reliability tests. This paper adopts the theoretical reference of psychometrics. Its purpose is to update knowledge on general and psychometric characteristics of instruments for the assessment of subjective phenomena, to establish a parallel between similar terms, and to present a guide for choosing instruments. The enhancement of measurement instruments will improve nursing research and attention.