Welcome

Welcome to BSHES 542 Socio-behavioral Measurement. Please find the course description and schedule in the Syllabus folder. Slides, suggested readings and other materials will be posted as they become available. I will be glad to answer any questions that you might have. You can contact me at rejone4@emory.edu.

Course Description

Selecting, developing and using valid and reliable measures are integral components of sound research and evaluation. This course will provide the student with theoretical and applied knowledge of measurement in the behavioral sciences and health education. Foundational knowledge of measurement is taught through the lens of theory. Students will review existing self-report measurement literature and adapt instruments to new populations. Students will learn how to locate and assess data from diverse sources. Specific emphasis will be placed on social determinants and longitudinal data.

The course syllabus can be found on the Syllabus page. The course activities are found in Modules.

Concentration Competencies

Select valid and reliable instruments to measure variables in public health research and evaluation.

2. Apply qualitative or quantitative methods to public health research and practice

Course Competencies

By the end of this course, the student should be able to:

Define measurement.
Understand the role of measurement in health behavior research and evaluation.
Identify sources of variation in measurement.
Use techniques to minimize measurement error.
Identify principles and issues involved in developing and using instruments.
Understand the basics of item writing and format choice.
Use techniques to assess reliability of scales.
Use techniques to assess validity of scales.
Evaluate existing instruments for reliability and validity.
Use information from scale assessment to determine appropriateness for use.

Instructor Modules Questions