Self-Report Measures

Definition

A common form of data collection in clinical research and practice is administration of a self-report measure in which an individual is asked to provide information about their subjective experiences and behaviors. Although less common, an individual’s caregiver may also be asked to complete self-report measures on that individual’s behalf, such as when a caregiver for a patient with dementia completes an activities of daily living questionnaire.

Current Knowledge

Self-report measures are usually completed in a paper-and-pencil format, although computer administration is utilized with increasing frequency. The scope of self-report measures may vary from assessment of a broad range of symptoms (e.g., childhood behavior disorders) to targeted assessment of specific symptoms (e.g., obsessive compulsive disorder). The selection of an appropriate self-report measure is dependent on the goal of the clinician’s assessment and is aided by consideration of the reliability and...