Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Qualitative and Quantitative Validation of Tools with Rating Scales Aimed at Assessing the Quality of University Service-Learning
Published on: August 29, 2025
A New Interpretation of the Weighted Kappa Coefficients
1Department of Methodology & Statistics, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands. sophie.vanbelle@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Abstract:
Reliability and agreement studies are of paramount importance. They do contribute to the quality of studies by providing information about the amount of error inherent to any diagnosis, score or measurement. Guidelines for reporting reliability and agreement studies were recently provided. While the use of the kappa-like family is advised for categorical and ordinal scales, no further guideline in the choice of a weighting scheme is given. In the present paper, a new simple and practical interpretation of the linear- and quadratic-weighted kappa coefficients is given. This will help researchers in motivating their choice of a weighting scheme.
Related Concept Videos
Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance
Kendall's Tau Test
A τ value of +1...
The Equilibrium Binding Constant and Binding Strength
The Equilibrium Binding Constant and Binding Strength
Extraction: Partition and Distribution Coefficients
For extracting a solute from an aqueous phase into an...
Calibration Curves: Correlation Coefficient

