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Methodological issues in interviewing and using self-report questionnaires with people with mental retardation
1School of Human Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 5XH, England, United Kingdom.
Psychological Assessment
|September 15, 2001
Summary
This study addresses challenges in using interviews and questionnaires with individuals with intellectual disabilities. It offers solutions for improving data collection accuracy and ensuring measurement validity in this population.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Research Methodology
Background:
- Interviews and self-report questionnaires are common research tools.
- Individuals with intellectual disabilities may present unique challenges in responding to these instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methodological issues in using interviews and self-report questionnaires with people with intellectual disabilities.
- To offer practical suggestions for overcoming identified difficulties.
Main Methods:
- Review of qualitative and quantitative studies.
- Analysis of instrument development for psychiatric symptoms, self-concept, and quality of life.
- Examination of item content, question phrasing, and response format.
Main Results:
- Identified specific problems related to item content (e.g., quantitative judgments), question phrasing (e.g., modifiers), and response format (e.g., acquiescence).
- Discussed psychometric properties such as factor structure and validity.
- Highlighted issues with existing self-report questionnaires for this population.
Conclusions:
- More attention is needed to establish the validity of self-report measures for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Clear definition of the target population is crucial for instrument design and application.