Tests and Measures

Tests and Measures

The term "tests and measures" refers to tools of measurement for analytical and diagnostic purposes. In the field of social work this might refer to a survey, instrument, diagnostic test, exam, questionnaire, survey, and/or measure. 

Engagement with Tests and Measures

As a student, course work for classes in the Social Work program may have references to the tests and measures researchers used in their analysis. As you continue to engage in research and your own work as a practitioner, you might use tests and measures to begin to identify your own conclusions.

Purpose

Tests and measures can be a tool of evaluation. For example, if researching social health of older adults in a population, you might engage and assign a score based on responses to the Geriatric Depression Scale. Names for these tests and measures often are very direct and clear, for example:

• Social Support Satisfaction Measure
• Depression Sensitivity Index
• Hunger Scale