@article {363,
	title = {The initial development of an item bank to assess and screen for psychological distress in cancer patients},
	journal = {Psycho-Oncology},
	volume = {16},
	number = {8},
	year = {2007},
	note = {10.1002/pon.1117Journal; Peer Reviewed Journal; Journal Article},
	pages = {724-732},
	abstract = {Psychological distress is a common problem among cancer patients. Despite the large number of instruments that have been developed to assess distress, their utility remains disappointing. This study aimed to use Rasch models to develop an item-bank which would provide the basis for better means of assessing psychological distress in cancer patients. An item bank was developed from eight psychological distress questionnaires using Rasch analysis to link common items. Items from the questionnaires were added iteratively with common items as anchor points and misfitting items (infit mean square > 1.3) removed, and unidimensionality assessed. A total of 4914 patients completed the questionnaires providing an initial pool of 83 items. Twenty items were removed resulting in a final pool of 63 items. Good fit was demonstrated and no additional factor structure was evident from the residuals. However, there was little overlap between item locations and person measures, since items mainly targeted higher levels of distress. The Rasch analysis allowed items to be pooled and generated a unidimensional instrument for measuring psychological distress in cancer patients. Additional items are required to more accurately assess patients across the whole continuum of psychological distress. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA ) (journal abstract)},
	keywords = {3293 Cancer, cancer patients, Distress, initial development, Item Response Theory, Models, Neoplasms, Patients, Psychological, psychological distress, Rasch, Stress},
	isbn = {1057-9249},
	author = {Smith, A. B. and Rush, R. and Velikova, G. and Wall, L. and Wright, E. P. and Stark, D. and Selby, P. and Sharpe, M.}
}
@article {346,
	title = {A structure-based approach to psychological measurement: Matching measurement models to latent structure},
	journal = {Assessment},
	volume = {9},
	number = {1},
	year = {2002},
	pages = {4-16},
	abstract = {The present article sets forth the argument that psychological assessment should be based on a construct{\textquoteright}s latent structure. The authors differentiate dimensional (continuous) and taxonic (categorical) structures at the latent and manifest levels and describe the advantages of matching the assessment approach to the latent structure of a construct. A proper match will decrease measurement error, increase statistical power, clarify statistical relationships, and facilitate the location of an efficient cutting score when applicable. Thus, individuals will be placed along a continuum or assigned to classes more accurately. The authors briefly review the methods by which latent structure can be determined and outline a structure-based approach to assessment that builds on dimensional scaling models, such as item response theory, while incorporating classification methods as appropriate. Finally, the authors empirically demonstrate the utility of their approach and discuss its compatibility with traditional assessment methods and with computerized adaptive testing. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2005 APA ) (journal abstract)},
	keywords = {Adaptive Testing, Assessment, Classification (Cognitive Process), Computer Assisted, Item Response Theory, Psychological, Scaling (Testing), Statistical Analysis computerized adaptive testing, Taxonomies, Testing},
	author = {Ruscio, John and Ruscio, Ayelet Meron}
}
