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Philosophical perspectives on response shift
Leah McClimans1, Jerome Bickenbach, Marjan Westerman
1Department of Philosophy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA. mccliman@mailbox.sc.edu
Summary
This study offers a philosophical lens on response shift research, questioning assumptions and clarifying concepts. It suggests patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) align better with social constructivism, reframing response shifts beyond mere measurement bias.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Science
- Health Measurement
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Response shift research is crucial for understanding changes in patient self-evaluations.
- Existing methodologies may hold unexamined philosophical assumptions.
- The interpretation of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) requires careful consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply a philosophical perspective to response shift research.
- To critically examine underlying assumptions and clarify key concepts.
- To provide a framework for evaluating the field's methodology and theory.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical analysis and conceptual clarification.
- Examination of weak vs. strong evaluations in measurement.
- Epistemological inquiry into the nature of PROMs.
Main Results:
- Distinguishes weak and strong evaluations, impacting construct validity and PROM design.
- Argues for a social constructivist epistemology for PROMs over scientific realism.
- Challenges the view of response shifts as solely 'measurement bias', especially concerning disability.
Conclusions:
- Highlights the role of values in quality of life (QoL) assessment.
- Connects response shift to broader issues of interpretation and self-evaluation.
- Raises questions about the legitimacy of scientific methods in assessing subjective experiences.
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