HU Science Key Psychometric Features of Asus R Discussion

Enhanced Discussion- Instrumentation: Instructions for completion
For this enhanced discussion, you will be selecting an assessment instrument that you might use as a
substance abuse counselor in your future practice.
1. Select an assessment instrument that you can readily access. Many assessments are free to
use/view, and you do not need to spend money to access an addictions assessment for this
assignment. There are many assessments out there in the public domain (free), and the UC
library has many of them. Here is a helpful website for well-established assessments, and while
they may not have links directly to all of the instruments, they do tell you where you can locate
them (author, title of assessment, etc.) so you can then look for them on the UC library website:
http://lib.adai.uw.edu/instruments/ and click on “Selected assessment instruments” under the
paragraph that begins with the gold star.
You may also choose to look at the Samet et al. (2007) article or the Barsky (2006) article from
our readings, or the Stauffer (2008) article for suggestions about potential instruments to use. If
you are currently working in the addictions field, you may have an assessment instrument that is
used at work that you would like to learn more about, and this would be a great opportunity for
that as well. Remember to select an assessment instrument, not a screening tool!
2. After selecting an assessment, you will need to report on the use of the instrument and on its
basic psychometric properties. The Samet et al. (2007) article provides several examples of
professional critiques/reviews of existing assessment instruments, and you are NOT be allowed
to select one of the 6 instruments from this article for your own review (as these critiques have
already been presented there). You can, however, use these as guides for your own review.
3. Read through the assessment and any associated instructional guidelines or material that
accompanies the instrument (usually there is a research article published with the instrument by
the developers of the instrument). You may need to locate additional research that tests the
psychometric properties of the instrument (reliability/validity), but many times this is included
in the original author’s research.
4. Critique the assessment instrument. You will need to first include basic information about using
your selected assessment tool, and these criteria are located on page 20 of the Samet et al.
(2007) article (under the General Features of Assessment Instruments section). In addition, you
may want to supplement your review using the guidelines starting on page 125 of the Barsky
(2006) article.
5. Finally, comment on your own personal reactions to the value of this assessment for your own
future use. What are your thoughts on ease of use, the language used, any concerns you have
about using this instrument in your own practice? Include any general feelings about the flow of
the assessment or ability to capture relevant information you would need to assess your client’s
substance use and treatment needs.
6. Post your review of your assessment in a new thread of the Enhanced Discussion board, being
sure to include a link to your assessment instrument (or information about how to access this
assessment). You do not need to continuously cite information from your assessment tool- just
include the access/location information at the beginning of your post.
7. As with other discussion boards, be sure to connect your critique to your readings, comment on
other classmates’ postings about their assessment instruments, and post on more than one day
of the week to earn full credit.
Suggested Format:
Instrument selected: include full name, authors/creators, full reference citation or link- basically, how to
find this instrument
Critique: A paragraph or two to address key elements of your selected instrument (see #4 above).
Personal reactions: A few sentences (see #5 above).
Grading Rubric:
Below are the criteria that will be used to grade the Instrumentation discussion board for this semester.
Criteria
All portions of the assignment are complete, showing in-depth reflection and
organization. Thoughtful critique of instrument, and personal reactions reflect critical
thought. Obvious integration of new information from readings and lectures.
Attention to spelling and grammar. Posts made throughout the week (on more than
one day), and incorporate comments of classmates.
Critique and reaction display basic understanding of core concepts of assignment.
May demonstrate limited connection to readings and/or other sources. Use of new
information minimal. May also lack attention to spelling and grammar. Posts on only
one day of the week.
Narrative and/or critique too brief to develop an understanding of the purpose of
the activity. Makes assumptions or uses conjecture to form conclusion. Comments
do not interact with or incorporate the ideas of other participants’ comments.
Point Value
15
12
10
Superficial critique. Portions of assignment may be incomplete. Does not contain
pertinent information in crucial areas to meet the purpose of the assignment.
7
Insufficient data to form a conclusion. Fails to demonstrate an understanding of the
purpose of the activity or use of new information.
5
Does not complete or submit assignment.
0