Please begin by responding to the following questions. Search and locate an existing instrument that will be used to address your research question. Post the title of the instrument selected and the level of measurement on the tool. Next, post a description of the type of scale used in the instrument. Include a brief discussion of data collection procedures that will be presented in your proposal. Provide constructive, supportive feedback to your classmates’ posts.
Title of Instrument: “The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)”
Level of Measurement: The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) is a Likert-type scale that is used to measure individuals’ psychological distress and well-being. It is a 4-point scale where respondents rate the extent to which each item applies to them.
Description of Scale: The GHQ is a multi-dimensional instrument that consists of 28 items, each assessing different aspects of psychological well-being. These items are divided into four subscales: somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression. Each subscale consists of 7 items. Participants are asked to indicate whether a particular statement applies to them, with response options ranging from “not at all” to “much more than usual.”
The GHQ is scored using a bimodal scoring system where each item is assigned a score of 0 or 1, with a total score ranging from 0 to 28. The scoring method allows for a binary categorization of individuals as either having a high level of psychological distress or not.
Data Collection Procedures: In my research proposal, the data collection procedures for administering the GHQ will involve distributing the instrument to a sample population through an online survey. This method will ensure that the data collection process is efficient and reaches a larger number of participants. Participants will be recruited through various online platforms and targeted based on their demographics and characteristics relevant to the research question.
To ensure the validity and reliability of the instrument, I will employ several strategies. Firstly, I will provide clear instructions and explanations for each item in the GHQ, ensuring that participants understand the meaning and response options of each statement. This will reduce the potential for response bias and improve the accuracy of responses.
Moreover, I will also implement measures to minimize missing data by making response to all items mandatory, ensuring that participants provide a response for each item in the GHQ. Additionally, I will employ techniques such as randomization of item order to minimize order effects that may influence participant responses.
To ensure the quality and accuracy of data, I will also include attention check items within the GHQ. These items will be designed to detect and filter out participants who may not be adequately engaged or providing unreliable responses. Participants who fail the attention check items will be excluded from the final analysis to maintain the integrity of the data.
Furthermore, I will implement strict ethical guidelines throughout the data collection process. Participants will be provided with informed consent forms outlining the purpose of the study, the confidentiality of their responses, and the voluntary nature of their participation. This will ensure that participants are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities before deciding to participate.
Overall, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) is a comprehensive instrument that allows researchers to effectively measure psychological distress and well-being. By employing appropriate data collection procedures, such as online surveys and attention check items, the instrument can provide reliable and valid data necessary for addressing the research question. Implementing ethical guidelines throughout the data collection process will also ensure the protection and welfare of the participants.