Development of a Short Form: Methods, Examinations and Recommendations

Abstract

The aim of this review is to explain the methods that can be used when developing short form of a measurementtool and to examine some short form development studies in the field of health sciences literature by taking intoconsideration the criticisms of short form development studies. It is seen that short form development studies areespecially concentrated in the fields of health sciences. The main reason for this situation has been shown thatclinicians need fast and reliable measurement tools to reduce the pressure on them. The review results of the 12articles selected for this research show that there are very few studies that follow the guidelines for short formdevelopment. Researchers are advised to develop the short form of the scale by taking into account the criteriamentioned in this study. It is recommended to select measurement instruments which are developed in accordancewith ethical rules and have sufficient psychometric properties. Clinical researchers should be aware that theperception that measuring instruments containing less items are less valid does not show the truth. The samepsychometric standards are sought for each measurement tools.