Disability Measurement Matrix: A Tool for the Coordination of Measurement Purpose and Instrument Development

Abstract

The multidimensionality of the concept of disability makes the development of questions to measure the concept very complicated. In addition, the purposes of data collection can require a variety of different dimensions of the concept of disability to meet the variety of data uses. This paper proposes a data matrix for use in focusing the methodologist on the issues related to the multidimensionality of the concept and the variety of data needs when planning surveys. Discussions of the three components of the matrix, purpose, conceptual domains and question characteristics, provides the reader with an understanding of the elements of this tool. Multiple tables provide examples of the possible uses of the matrix.

Citation

Altman, B.M., Rasch, E.K. and Madans, J.H. (2006), "Disability Measurement Matrix: A Tool for the Coordination of Measurement Purpose and Instrument Development", Altman, B.M. and Barnartt, S.N. (Ed.) International Views on Disability Measures: Moving Toward Comparative Measurement (Research in Social Science and Disability, Vol. 4), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 263-284. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1479-3547(05)04014-5