Decision points in choosing family self-report scales in research

Literature that systematically highlights critical decision-making points in conducting family research is sparse. The wide-spread use of self-report instruments in family research suggests that explication of decision-making points involved in the use of self-report instruments is needed. A specific instrument, the Family Environment Scale (Moos & Moos, 1986), is used to illustrate relevant decision-making. Conceptualization of a study, instrumentation, and data analysis are addressed.