Based on the information provided from the Ashmore et al. (2005) study, which scale has the weakest reliability?

EXERCISE 13 Questions to be Graded

RESEARCH ARTICLE 2 FOR QUESTIONS 1-5

Source: Ashmore, J. A., Emery, C. F., Hauck, E. R., & MacIntyre, N. R. (2005). Marital adjustment among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who are participating in pulmonary rehabilitation. Heart & Lung, 34 (4), 270–8.

Relevant Study Results

“Psychological well-being was assessed with 4 self-report scales. (1) The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory is a 40-item measure of both immediate and longer-standing symptoms of anxiety. … Calculation of reliability with the study sample indicated a coefficient alpha of .93. (2) The Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale is a 20-item measure developed for evaluating depressive symptoms in community-residing older adults. Calculation of reliability with the study sample indicated a coefficient alpha of .89. (3) The Bradburn Affect-Balance Scale is a 10-item scale developed for use with older adults and assesses both positive and negative emotions. Calculation of reliability with the study sample indicated a coefficient alpha of .72. (4) Stress was measured by a self-report scale … Calculation of reliability with the study sample indicated a coefficient alpha of .76” (Ashmore et al., 2005, pp. 272–3).

For Questions 1 through 5, please refer to the Relevant Study Results for Research Article 2.

1. Based on the information provided from the Ashmore et al. (2005) study, which scale has the strongest reliability? Provide a rationale for your answer.

2. Based on the information provided from the Ashmore et al. (2005) study, which scale has the weakest reliability? Provide a rationale for your answer.

3. What type of reliability is provided for the four scales used in the Ashmore et al. (2005) study? Provide a rationale for your answer.

4. Are four scales used in the Ashmore et al. (2005) study examined for validity? Provide a rationale for your answer.

5. Are four scales in the Ashmore et al. (2005) study reliable in this study? Provide a rationale for your answer.

RESEARCH ARTICLE 3 FOR QUESTIONS 6-10

Source: Ely, B., Alexander, L. B., & Reed, M. (2005). The working alliance in pediatric chronic disease management: A pilot study of instrument reliability and feasibility. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 20 (3), 190–200.

Relevant Study Results

In this study, the researchers examined the reliability of the Working Alliance Inventory for Chronic Care (WAICC) scales (both 12-item and 36-item scales) that were developed to evaluate the alliances among a subject (child or adolescent), the health care providers (MD or NP), and the parent/guardian. “Internal consistency reliability estimates using Cronbach’s alpha for the first administration yielded alpha scores ranging from .76 to .88 indicating strong internal consistency [for the WAICC]. Cronbach’s alpha scores for the first administration of the 12-item child version of the WAICC were .84 (child’s relationship with MD or NP) and .88 (parent perception of their child’s relationship with the MD or NP). Using the 36-item scale, alphas ranged from .76 (adolescent’s relationship with MD or NP) to .86 (parent perception of their adolescent’s relationship with MD or NP). … As mentioned previously, test-retest reliability was analyzed using data from initial sample only. … Test-retest reliability was stronger in the child participants than for the adolescent participants” (Ely et al., 2005, p. 196).

For Questions 6 through 10, please refer to the Relevant Study Results from Research Article 3.

6. The 36-item WAICC Scale was most reliable for which group? Was this scale reliable for this study? Provide a rationale for your answer.

7. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was .84 for the 12-item child version of the WAICC for the child’s relationship with the MD or NP. What does this value indicate in terms of internal consistency of this scale?

8. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was .88 for the 12-item child version of the WAICC for the parent’s perception of his or her child’s relationship with MD or NP. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient is used to determine what type of reliability for a scale? Provide a rationale for your answer.

9. The WAICC Scales were examined using test-retest reliability. What type of reliability is test-retest reliability? Was the test-retest reliability stronger for the adolescent or child participants?

10. Are the 12- and 36-item WAICC scales reliable in the Ely et al. (2005) study? Provide a rationale for your answer.