choose two variables from the lists below that you will operationalize for the assignment

Section A: Operationalization Using Known Scales and Instruments
Choose a variable from the list below use one related to the attached materials literature review. Locate a known scale or instrument that you might use to operationalize the selected variable. Please answer the following questions about the selected known scale or instrument. Suggested length: 2 ? 3 pages.

Variables: family functioning, parenting skills, self-esteem, depression, child well-being, mental status, anxiety, and wellness.

1. Description: Provide the name and a brief description of the instrument including how it is administered, the length (number of items), general scoring information and other relevant information. Be sure to cite the sources for the information you use.

2. Norms: When scales are developed and tested, they need to utilize samples of subjects to establish ?norms.? It is important for social workers to understand the samples on which a scale was normed in order to assess the degree to which the scale or measure is useful for different populations. Describe how the norms were developed and reported for this scale or instrument. Cite the reference materials you use. Discuss any potential cross- cultural, gender, sexual orientation or age issues that should be considered in terms of others using this measurement procedure.

3. Reliability: Discuss the reliability of measurement for the variable. Make sure to cite all reliability information you get from other sources. It is not appropriate to state, ?this measure has been found to be reliable.? You need details and citations. Your description should indicate that you have a clear understanding of the meaning of the concept of reliability by providing a relevant discussion about methods used for establishing

reliability and about the reliability coefficients reported in the material you cite. Simply cutting and pasting and then citing what was written in reviews is not adequate.

4. Validity: Discuss the validity of measurement of the variable. Make sure to cite all validity information you get from other sources. It is not appropriate to just state, ?this measure has been found to be valid.? You need details and citations. Your description should indicate that you have a clear understanding of the meaning of the concept of validity by providing a relevant discussion about the approaches to establishing validity reported in the material you cite. If you have a difficult time finding information that pertains to the validity of a measure, be sure to discuss ways in which information about the validity of the measure could be obtained.

Section B: Operationalization Using Subject Self-report, Archival/Known Data or Biological/Physiological Techniques

Choose another variable from the list below that can be easily measured utilizing another data collection technique besides a known scale or instrument. Complex psychological constructs are best measured with scales, so these would not be good choices. You may not develop your own lengthy questionnaire or interview for this order. You may only use approaches such as simple client self- report (i.e., answering a question), archival data/known records or biological/physiological data. Suggested length: 1- 2 pages.

Variables: employment, homelessness or housing stability, school performance.

1. Description: Provide a brief description of the measurement technique you will use to measure the variable; be sure to indicate the data collection technique in your description. For example, ?Foster care outcome will be measured by using archival data from the DCFS file indicating if the child was reunited with the family/parent, permanently placed in a familial home, permanently placed in a non-familial home, placed in an adoptive home, or emancipated out of the system.? It is important that you provide specific measurement information.

2. Reliability and Validity: Discuss the reliability and validity of the measurement for the variable. Since there will likely be no established or published reliability and validity coefficients, this discussion should be conceptual, based on how you have operationalized the variable. If you have operationalized the variable using known data or archival records, how reliable and valid are those records (i.e. are they consistently and accurately recorded)? For example, you might write about how reliable the selected archival files are based on strict agency procedures and data management protocols. If you have chosen to operationalize a variable with a simple client self-report, discuss the reliability and validity of that technique. How might client self-reports be impacted my memory issues or honest reporting (social desireability), and how does this affect reliability and validity? If using physiological/biological techniques, what is the stated reliability and validity of the technique (i.e. rate of false negatives/positives, error in use rates, etc.). How might you utilize experts to provide some face or content validity for

your measurement procedure? The discussion should reflect your understanding of the concepts of reliability and validity as they apply specifically to the type of data collection technique you selected.