Measuring numeracy without a math test: development of the Subjective Numeracy Scale.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
Background
Basic numeracy skills are necessary before patients can understand the risks of medical treatments. Previous research has used objective measures, similar to mathematics tests, to evaluate numeracy.Objectives
To design a subjective measure (i.e., self-assessment) of quantitative ability that distinguishes low- and high-numerate individuals yet is less aversive, quicker to administer, and more usable for telephone and Internet surveys than existing numeracy measures.Research design
Paper-and-pencil questionnaires.Subjects
The general public (N = 703) surveyed at 2 hospitals.Measures
Forty-nine subjective numeracy questions were compared to measures of objective numeracy.Results
An 8-item measure, the Subjective Numeracy Scale (SNS), was developed through several rounds of testing. Four items measure people's beliefs about their skill in performing various mathematical operations, and 4 measure people's preferences regarding the presentation of numerical information. The SNS was significantly correlated with Lipkus and others' objective numeracy scale (correlations: 0.63-0.68) yet was completed in less time (24 s/item v. 31 s/item, P < 0.05) and was perceived as less stressful (1.62 v. 2.69, P < 0.01) and less frustrating (1.92 v. 2.88, P < 0.01). Fifty percent of participants who completed the SNS volunteered to participate in another study, whereas only 8% of those who completed the Lipkus and others scale similarly volunteered (odds ratio = 11.00, 95% confidence interval = 2.14-56.65).Conclusions
The SNS correlates well with mathematical test measures of objective numeracy but can be administered in less time and with less burden. In addition, it is much more likely to leave participants willing to participate in additional research and shows much lower rates of missing or incomplete data.Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Fagerlin, A; Zikmund-Fisher, BJ; Ubel, PA; Jankovic, A; Derry, HA; Smith, DM
Published Date
- September 2007
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 27 / 5
Start / End Page
- 672 - 680
PubMed ID
- 17641137
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1552-681X
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0272-989X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1177/0272989x07304449
Language
- eng