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Published on: February 2, 2017
[The consistency and validity of a measurement in clinical pediatric research. Its definition, evaluation and
A Fajardo-Gutiérrez1, L T Yamamoto-Kimura, J Garduño-Espinoza
1Departamento de Epidemiología Clínica, Hospital de Pediatría del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, México, D.F.
Insights
Scientific measurement in pediatric research requires consistency and validity. This paper clarifies these concepts and explains how to assess them, ensuring reliable research findings.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Research
- Measurement Science
- Pediatric Medicine
Context:
- Accurate measurement is crucial in all research, especially clinical pediatric research.
- Measurements must be both consistent (reliable) and valid (accurate).
- Confusion between consistency and validity can hinder research quality.
Purpose:
- To clarify the distinct meanings of measurement consistency and validity.
- To explain methods for assessing measurement consistency and validity.
- To guide researchers in applying these concepts using practical examples.
Summary:
- This paper differentiates between measurement consistency (intra/inter-observer variability) and validity.
- It outlines how to evaluate consistency and validity based on variable scales and observer numbers.
- The study provides examples for applying assessment formulas and interpreting results.
Impact:
- Enhances the rigor of pediatric clinical research through improved measurement practices.
- Provides a clear framework for researchers to ensure the quality and reliability of their data.
- Contributes to a better understanding of scientific measurement principles in healthcare research.
Abstract:
In clinical pediatric research as in all research, one of the fundamental characteristics is the measurement of the studied features, either clinical, of laboratory or cabinet. A measurement must have two fundamental characteristics, for it to be considered as scientific: consistency and validity. The first one is centered on the variability of the measurement, which is due to the measuring instrument, to the subject or entity which is measured and to the individual or individuals who carry out the measuring, this is known as intra or interobserver variability, respectively. Validity is the fact of "actually" measuring what we want to measure. Both characteristics of measurement, are often mixed, between them and with other concepts, and this is the reason of not having a clear idea of what is the real meaning. This paper discusses the different terms that have been used for consistency and validity of a measurement. Also it points out how to assess consistency, from the validity, taking into account the measuring scale of the variables and the number of observers. Easy examples are used for the application of different formulas and for the interpretation of the results.
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