Page 469 - Encyclopedia of Nursing Research

436 n REMINISCENCE

Cronbach’s alpha is based on correlational the name suggests is focused on the response
analysis, which is highly influenced by the to individual items. Item response theory
R number of items and sample size. It is pos- requires two critical assumptions be made:
sible to increase the reliability coefficient of (a) the scale is unidimensional and (b) the
a scale by increasing the number of items. A probability of responding to any item is not
small sample size can result in a reduced reli- related to the response to any other item.
ability coefficient that is a biased estimate. A These two assumptions allow for determin-
limitation of alpha is that items are consid- ing the response characteristics of each item,
ered to be parallel, which means that they which then allows for prediction of how any
have identical true scores; When this is not particular subject will respond given a set
the case, alpha is a lower bound to reliabil- of factors. Item response theory takes a next
ity; other coefficients for internal consistency, step beyond reliability and dependability to
based within models of principal components predictability. Consequently, item response
and common factor analysis (e.g., theta and theory can be considered an approach that
omega), are more appropriate. Obtaining an bridges reliability and validity through
adequate alpha does not mean that examina- predictability.
tion of internal consistency is complete. Item
analysis must be accomplished and focused Paula M. Meek
on the fit of individual items with the other Joyce A. Verran
items and the total instrument.
Again, observational measures are a spe-
cial case and require different formulas for
the determination of equivalence. Interrater Reminiscence
reliability refers to the need for ratings to be
essentially equivalent across data collectors
and not to differ due to individual rater var- Butler (1963) described reminiscence and
iability. The ICC is the most appropriate pro- life review as naturally occurring universal
cedure in most situations, although kappa processes characterized by the progressive
based on percent agreement and controlling return to consciousness of past experiences
for chance may also be acceptable. and unresolved conflicts. Today reminiscence
Any discussion of reliability as serves as an umbrella term under which all
approached through classical test theory forms of recalling the past are subsumed and
should note more recent approaches for test particular ways of remembering are often
consistency. Of these, generalizability the- referred to as reminiscence work. life review
ory (G theory) has received the most atten- is a particular form of reminiscence work
tion. Unlike classical test theory reliability, and differs from other forms of reminiscing
G theory can estimate several sources of in that it is more structured, deliberate, and
random error in one analysis; in the process, evaluative. Nurses use reminiscence work for
a generalizability coefficient is computed. a variety of purposes: to promote enjoyment,
Proponents of G theory believe that its con- to encourage communication, to learn about
centration on dependability rather than their clients, to further well-being and to help
reliability offers a more global and flexible their clients come to term with their lives.
approach to estimating measurement error. Though most reminiscence procedures are
Another approach to dependability is verbal, they can also be written as in guided
item response theory that also is not based autobiography, or silent, within oneself. The
in classical test theory. While classical test goal of using reminiscence in a purposeful
theory is generally more focused on the pat- way for therapeutic means differentiates
tern of response to the test, item response as therapeutic ways of recall from others such