Handbook of Measurement and Evaluation in Rehabilitation, 2d ed.

Handbook of Measurement and Evaluation in Rehabilitation, ed 2

Few physical therapist are familiar with the assessment measures used by psychologists and counselors working in the field of rehabilitation. Although this text was written primarily as a basic textbook and reference source for rehabilitation counselors, the book is presented in a style that can be understood easily by a person with little experience in psychological measurement. The handbook is divided into three sections: Fundamentals of Measurements, Review of Instruments, and Applications in Rehabilitation.

Section 1 includes a very readable, basic review of psychometric terminology, test interpretation, test development, and theory generation. Issues of test reliability, such as the stability of test scores over time and generalization from specific test items to other items nontest behaviors, are clearly presented. The final chapter in the section deals with validity--the meaning of the test scores and their relationship to other variables and theory. The discussion of the types of validity--construct, content, and criterion-related--is particularly well written and understandable to a person not familiar with test theory. Because psychologists have been leaders in the construction of tests and development of reliable and valid assessment instruments, their work can serve as a model for our profession as we focus on developing our own clinically reliable and valid evaluation instruments.

The second section provides the reader with an introduction to commonly used psychological tests and the problems inherent in using the tests. Measurement instruments discussed are intelligence tests; aptitude and achievement tests; self-report personality inventories, such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory; projective tests, such as the Rorschach and Thematic apperception Test; and various vocational inventories.

Section 3 focuses primarily on assessment in rehabilitation settings and on theories of work adjustment, vocational readiness, and aptitude. Chapters also are included on problems related to the assessment of patients with visual deficits, hearing impairments, and developmental disabilities. At first glance this section may seem more geared to occupational therapists; however, physical therapists reading this section will develop a broader perspective about how their therapy interventions translate into vocational skills and behaviors in the work environment.

The contributors to this text, most of whom have numerous publications in the areas of psychology, counseling, and rehabilitation, have provided extensive bibliographies of books and seminal, up-to-date journal articles. Therefore, physical therapists seeking information on psychological and vocational measurement in rehabilitation would find this book a goldmine of resources.

My only frustration with the book is the lack of examples of test items or vignettes depicting the appropriate use and interpretation of scores on the tests described in Section 2. This is particularly true for the chapter on projective testing because the type of test materials used and the psychologist's interpretation of the patients' responses are not inherently obvious to nonpsychologists or noncounselors.

although his text may not be of interest to physical therapists working in acute care facilities, it would be a valuable reference book for the library of any comprehensive rehabilitation center where the team approach to care is essential.