Related Experiment Videos
Methodological issues in surveying older persons concerning drug use
1Psychology Department, University of Québec, Montréal, Canada.
The International Journal of the Addictions
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Surveys involving older adults are valid, contrary to common beliefs. Addressing factors like education and using appropriate methods ensures accurate data collection in geriatric research.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Survey Methodology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Commonly held beliefs suggest lower survey validity in older populations due to cognitive decline.
- Empirical evidence challenges these assumptions, indicating that age alone does not inherently reduce survey validity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the validity of surveys conducted with older adults.
- To identify factors influencing survey validity in geriatric populations.
- To propose methods for enhancing the accuracy of data collected from elders.
Main Methods:
- Review of empirical evidence on survey validity in older adults.
- Analysis of confounding factors such as education, cohort effects, and time of measurement.
- Examination of methodological improvements including sampling, proxy respondents, administration, instrumentation, and interviewer training.
Main Results:
- Empirical data do not support the notion that surveys with older persons are inherently less valid.
- Factors such as limited education and inappropriate instrumentation can impact validity.
- Exclusion of individuals with dementia or institutional residents may be unnecessary and reduce generalizability.
Conclusions:
- Survey data from older adults can be valid when appropriate methodologies are employed.
- Careful consideration of confounding variables and adaptation of instruments are crucial for accurate geriatric research.
- Cross-validation using multiple concurrent methods strengthens the reliability of findings.