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Multimedia Battery for Assessment of Cognitive and Basic Skills in Mathematics (BM-PROMA)
Published on: August 28, 2021
Measuring numeracy without a math test: development of the Subjective Numeracy Scale.
Angela Fagerlin1, Brian J Zikmund-Fisher, Peter A Ubel
1VA Health Services Research & Development Center for Practice Management and Outcomes Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. fagerlin@med.umich.edu
Summary
A new Subjective Numeracy Scale (SNS) effectively measures quantitative ability, correlating with objective tests. This self-assessment tool is quicker, less stressful, and increases participant willingness for future research.
Area of Science:
- Health psychology
- Quantitative literacy assessment
Background:
- Understanding medical risks requires basic numeracy skills.
- Objective numeracy measures, like math tests, have been used previously.
- Existing measures can be time-consuming and aversive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a self-assessment tool for quantitative ability.
- The tool should differentiate between low and high numeracy.
- It aims to be less aversive, faster, and suitable for surveys.
Main Methods:
- Developed an 8-item Subjective Numeracy Scale (SNS).
- Compared SNS to objective numeracy measures in a general public sample (N=703).
- Assessed administration time, stress, and frustration levels.
Main Results:
- SNS showed significant correlation with objective numeracy scales (0.63-0.68).
- SNS was completed faster (24s/item vs. 31s/item) and perceived as less stressful/frustrating.
- Participants completing SNS were more likely to volunteer for future studies (50% vs. 8%).
Conclusions:
- The Subjective Numeracy Scale (SNS) is a valid and efficient measure of numeracy.
- SNS offers a less burdensome alternative to objective tests.
- It enhances participant engagement and data completeness in research.
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