How to construct a scale in social work

By Caruntu Adriana

Developing reliable and valid measurement instruments is one of the most valuable skills in social work research. Whether you are creating a new assessment tool, validating an existing instrument, or conducting doctoral research, this practical guide provides a comprehensive roadmap through every stage of scale development.

Written for social work researchers, doctoral students, academics, healthcare professionals, and practitioners, this book combines psychometric theory with practical application. Readers will learn how to define constructs, generate high-quality items, conduct pilot testing, assess reliability and validity, perform factor analyses, and implement scales in real-world practice.

The book also explores ethical considerations, cultural adaptation, modern statistical techniques, and long-term maintenance of measurement instruments, making it an essential resource for evidence-based social work practice.

Inside this book you will discover:

Step-by-step guidance for developing original social work scalesPractical approaches to qualitative and quantitative item generationReliability and validity testing explained in accessible languageExploratory and confirmatory factor analysisCronbach's Alpha, Item Response Theory, and Structural Equation ModelingPilot testing and psychometric evaluationCultural adaptation and cross-cultural validationEthical considerations in measurementBest practices for implementing scales in research and practice

Whether you are designing your first questionnaire or developing a standardized assessment instrument for international research, this book provides the scientific foundation and practical tools needed to create high-quality measurement scales.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0H7MBLJBN
• ISBN13: 9798185536155
• Release Date: July 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 118 Pages
• Weight: 0.37 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"