Abstract
Objective: Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) provides improved precision and decreased test burden compared with traditional, fixed-length tests. Concerns have been raised regarding reliability of CAT-based measurements because the items administered vary both between and within individuals over time. The study measured test-retest reliability of the CAT Depression Inventory (CAT-DI) for assessment of depression in a screening setting where most scores fall in the normal range. Methods: A random sample of adults (N=101) at an academic emergency department (ED) was screened twice with the CAT-DI during their visit. Test-retest scores, bias, and reliability were assessed. Results: Fourteen percent of patients scored in the mild range for depression, 4% in the moderate range, and 3% in the severe range. Test-retest scores were without significant bias and had excellent reliability (r=.92). Conclusions: The CAT-DI provided reliable screening results among ED patients. Concerns about whether changes in item presentation during repeat testing would affect testretest reliability were not supported.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1039-1041 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Psychiatric Services |
| Volume | 67 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Sep 1 2016 |
Funding
The work was supported by National Institute of Mental Health grant R01 MH66302. The authors acknowledge the efforts of Dave Patterson, B.S., and of Alexandra Berthiaume, Cody Davis, Annie Hao, and Anna Shin, B.A., who served as volunteer research assistants in the conduct of this study.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health
