Book chapter
Innovations in Measurement in Clinical Research
Advanced Methods in Family Therapy Research, pp.17-33
Routledge, Second edition
2026
DOI: 10.4324/9781003331827-3
Abstract
The quality of research in family therapy depends on the quality of our measurement instruments. Despite its critical role, measurement development in couple and family therapy has frequently been overlooked. This chapter discussed the necessity of improving existing measures and developing new measures to address key clinical and theoretical questions in family therapy. Critiques of classical test theory (CTT) are presented and an argument for the adoption of item response theory (IRT) is made. IRT's assumptions of unidimensionality, local independence, monotonicity, and invariance are discussed as essential for creating improved measures. An example of how to use IRT is given, and steps for recreating this process are provided. By adopting IRT, family therapy research can achieve more precise and reliable measurements, ultimately advancing the field.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Innovations in Measurement in Clinical Research
- Creators
- Jacob Priest
- Contributors
- Richard B. Miller (Editor)Lee N. Johnson (Editor)
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Publication Details
- Advanced Methods in Family Therapy Research, pp.17-33
- Edition
- Second edition
- DOI
- 10.4324/9781003331827-3
- Publisher
- Routledge; New York, NY
- Alternative title
- Innovations in Measurement in Clinical Research
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2026
- Academic Unit
- Psychiatry; Psychological and Quantitative Foundations; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984948112302771
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