In this assignment, you will discuss ways to gather evidence of a test’s reliability and validity. In a 4 – 6 page paper, describe different types of reliability estimates and forms of validity. Then, explain how a test developer or test user could gather evidence of a test’s reliability and validity.
Be sure to address the following in your paper:
Define the concept of reliability.
Explain the meaning of a reliability coefficient.
Explain how a test developer or test user could gather evidence for the test’s reliability using two reliability estimates (i.e., test-retest, parallel-forms, alternative forms, split-half, and internal consistency reliability estimates). For example, how might a test developer who has developed a new psychological test measure test-retest reliability?
Define the concept of validity.
Explain the meaning of validation.
Explain how a test developer or test user could gather evidence for a test’s face validity, content validity, construct validity, and criterion-related validity. For example, how might a test developer who has just developed a new psychological test gather evidence that the test has content validity?
Cite three or more scholarly sources.
Your assignment should be a 4–6-page essay, not including the title and reference pages, and should include the following elements:
Title page: Provide your name, title of assignment, course and section number, and date.
Body: Answer all the questions in complete sentences and paragraphs.
The assignment must be written in Standard English and demonstrate superior organization, including a highly developed viewpoint and purpose that is clearly established and sustained. The communication of your thoughts must be highly ordered, logical, and unified, displaying exceptional content, organization, style, and mechanics (including the use of correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure).
Your responses should reflect professional writing standards, using proper tone and language.
Reference page: Sources listed in current APA format.
Include a minimum of three scholarly or academic sources to support your responses and conclusions.
Use Arial or Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced and left aligned.
Use standard 1″ margins on all sides.
Use APA formatting and citation style.
This assignment assesses the following Course Outcome:
PS505-2: Explain approaches to gathering reliability and validity evidence for specific psychological testing purposes.
The nursing specialty I have chosen is Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The AG-ACNP cares for critical, acute, complex chronic, physical, and mental conditions. This specialty also cares for young and older adults (APRN Consensus, 2008). I knew I did not want to work with pediatric patients, which helped me narrow my options. My fourteen-year nursing career includes long-term care, hospice, occupational health, and acute medical-surgical units. After selecting the AG-ACNP track, I know I can further serve this population of patients because of my experience with this population.
I had difficulty choosing this specialty because I remember reading in the class cafe that a few of my classmates already had their FNP. Reading that my classmates were making a career change made me wonder if the workload was too much. Is the salary not enough? Am I making a wrong decision? I spoke with my student advisor about my decision to choose the AG-ACNP. I had not worked in psychiatric nursing before and knew that was not my passion. I researched the areas I could practice palliative care, tertiary care, hospital surgical units, specialty care centers, trauma centers, and emergency departments. There is a growing need for care for the aging population (Walden University, n.d.)
The Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) is a nursing organization associated with my chosen specialty. GAPNA advocates for quality of care for older adults, provides continuing education on gerontology, and educates the public on issues regarding aging. There is a fee of $95 for student membership. A regular membership can be acquired when you become an APRN. Student membership requires an annual fee. Students can receive all membership benefits. The student members may not serve on the national/board of directors’ committees and cannot vote (Gerontological Advanced, n.d.)
Making the decision to return to school was difficult for me. I waivered back and forth about the cost both financially and in time. As the primary caregiver of three small children and having been a stay-at-home mom for the past eight years, I worried about the prospect of balancing family responsibilities with academic pursuits felt overwhelming. Doubts about the timing kept me from taking the leap for over a year. However, once I decided to take the leap of going back to school there was no doubt in my mind what specialty I wanted to pursue.
Since childhood I have loved helping people with their problems. In nursing school, I was first exposed to the possibility of being a mental health nurse practitioner. I loved my experiences in my psychiatric nursing class, and I believe they helped me grow as an individual and a nurse. After graduating nursing school, I decided to work in mental health, specifically I worked inpatient with children and adolescents. Working to stabilize children in crisis, I realized the real impact was in prevention and maintenance. Many of our children returned multiple times partly due to an inability to get adequate outpatient care. When I left inpatient work to be a stay-at-home mom, I was burnt out on giving everything I had only to continue to see the same children falling back into crisis. I knew if I went back to nursing, I’d want to work in an outpatient setting and that I’d like to have more control. My desire to prevent individuals from reaching crisis and to contribute to mental health wellness is my primary motivation for becoming a PMHNP.
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners strive to provide “relationship based, continuous and comprehensive services†(Population-Focused Competencies Task Force, 2013). In addition to direct patient care there are so many opportunities for PMHNP’s to be involved in the community to support mental health awareness and in advocacy to try to improve policy and outcomes (Population-Focused Competencies Task Force, 2013).
Since starting my program, I have so far been successful in balancing my life and school, which was my biggest fear stopping me from enrolling sooner. I believe it was God’s timing that I had this epiphany and confliction suddenly this fall that it’s never too late to invest in personal growth and professional development. I want to show my kids that learning, and growth are lifelong endeavors, and that one can continue to evolve throughout their life. I asked God to give me purpose and I believe this will be my purpose to help support people who are struggling. I have no excuse to put it off and this belief has propelled me forward.
One professional organization I intend on joining is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). This organization is dedicated to promoting excellence in psychiatric-mental health nursing. To become a member is a simple matter on registering and paying the membership fee. APNA membership offers access to a supportive community, invaluable resources and continuing education opportunities that will enhance my skills (American Psychiatric Nurses Association, n.d.). Joining a professional nursing organization specific to my field is an investment in my professional development by aligning with my career goals and could help me make a meaningful impact on the nursing community (Echevarria, 2018). Networking, mentorship, and service to the profession are additional valued benefits.
It is never too late to chase your passion, and the difficulties along the way are part of the growth process. I am so excited that all of us have committed to this new chapter in our lives.
You have probably seen one or more of the many inspirational posters about decisions. A visual such as a forked road or a street sign is typically pictured, along with a quote designed to inspire.
Decisions are often not so easily inspired. Perhaps you discovered this when choosing a specialty within the MSN program. This decision is a critical part of your plan for success, and you no doubt want to get it right. This is yet another area where your network can help, as well as other sources of information that can help you make an informed choice.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, initial postings to Discussions are due on or before Day 3, and response postings are due on or before Day 6. You are required to participate in the Discussion on at least three different days (a different day for main post and each response). It is important to adhere to the weekly time frame to allow others ample time to respond to your posting. In addition, you are expected to respond to questions directed toward your own initial posting in a timely manner.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
Reflect on your decision to pursue a specialty within the MSN program, including your professional and academic goals as they relate to your program/specialization.
BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 10
Post an explanation of your choice of a nursing specialty within the program. Describe any difficulties you had (or are having) in making your choice, and the factors that drove/are driving your decision. Identify at least one professional organization affiliated with your chosen specialty and provide details on becoming a member.
ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN PART 4: FINALIZING THE PLAN
At some point in every construction project, efforts turn from design and the focus moves to actual construction. With the vision in place and the tools secured, the blueprint can be finalized and approved. Then it is time to put on hardhats and begin work.
Throughout the course you have developed aspects of your Academic and Professional Development Plan. You have thought a great deal about your vision and goals, your academic and professional network of support, research strategies and other tools you will need, the integrity of your work, and the value of consulting the work of others. With your portfolio in place, it is now time to finalize your blueprint for success.
Much as builders remain cognizant of the building standards as they plan and begin construction, nurses must remain mindful of the formal standards of practice that govern their specialties. A good understanding of these standards can help ensure that your success plan includes any steps necessary to excel within your chosen specialty.
In this Assignment you will continue developing your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan by developing the final component–a review of your specialty standards of practice. You will also submit your final version of the document, including Parts 1–4.
Note: For students in Nursing Education, Executive Nursing, Nursing Informatics, or Public Health Nursing, this Assignment is the first Portfolio Assignment in your program. You will have one Portfolio Assignment in each of your courses. You will need to save these Assignments for inclusion in your portfolio that you will submit in your Capstone course.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
Review the scope and standards of practice or competencies related to your chosen specialty in the resources for this module.
Review the MSN specializations offered at Walden by viewing the module resource, Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Examine professional organizations related to the specialization you have chosen and identify at least one to focus on for this Assignment.
Reflect on the thoughts you shared in the Discussion forum regarding your choice of a specialty, any challenges you have encountered in making this choice, and any feedback you have received from colleagues in the Discussion.
The Assignment:
Complete the following items and incorporate them into the final version of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan.
With the resources specific to the MSN specialization and the, Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), shared in this module, write a paragraph or make a Nursing Specialty Comparison table, comparing at least two nursing specialties that include your selected specialization and second-preferred specialization.
Write a 2- to 3-paragraph justification statement identifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Incorporate feedback you received from colleagues in this Module’s Discussion forum.
Identify the professional organization related to your chosen specialization for this Assignment, and explain how you can become an active member of this organization.
Note: Your final version of the Academic Success and Professional Development Plan should include all components as presented the Academic Success and Professional Development Plan template.
BY DAY 5 OF WEEK 11
Submit your final draft of Parts 1-4 of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan.
SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Before submitting your final assignment, you can check your draft for authenticity. To check your draft, access the Turnitin Drafts from the Start Here area.
To submit your completed assignment, save your Assignment as MD6Assgn_LastName_Firstinitial
Then, click on Start Assignment near the top of the page.
Next, click on Upload File and select Submit Assignment for review.
Rubric
NURS_6003_Module06_Week11_Assignment_Rubric
NURS_6003_Module06_Week11_Assignment_Rubric
CriteriaRatingsPts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeComplete the following items for part 4 of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan: Compare at least two nursing specialties, including your selected specialization and second-preferred specialization.
30 to >26.0 pts
Excellent
A detailed comparison is provided that accurately and fully describes the selected and second-preferred specialization.
26 to >23.0 pts
Good
A partial comparison is provided that partially describes the selected and second-preferred specialization.
23 to >20.0 pts
Fair
A vague or inaccurate comparison is provided that describes the selected and second-preferred specialization.
20 to >0 pts
Poor
A comparison is missing.
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWrite a 2-3 paragraph justification statement identifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Incorporate feedback you received from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
30 to >26.0 pts
Excellent
A clear and accurately justified statement describes in detail the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with sufficient evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
26 to >23.0 pts
Good
A partially justified statement describes the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with some evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
23 to >20.0 pts
Fair
A vague or inaccurately justified statement describes the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with vague evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
20 to >0 pts
Poor
A justified statement is missing.
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIdentify the professional organization related to the specialization you have chosen to focus on for this Assignment and explain how you can become an active member of this organization.
25 to >22.0 pts
Excellent
The response clearly identifies and accurately describes in detail the professional organization related to the specialization selected. … The response clearly and accurately describes in detail how to become an active member of this organization.
22 to >19.0 pts
Good
The response partially describes the professional organization related to the specialization selected. … The response partially describes how to become an active member of this organization.
19 to >17.0 pts
Fair
The response vaguely or inaccurately describes the professional organization related to the specialization selected. … The response vaguely or inaccurately describes how to become an active member of this organization.
17 to >0 pts
Poor
Missing professional organization… Missing how to become a member
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFinal version of template includes parts 1-4 (entire template) compiled into one cohesive document
5 to >0.0 pts
Excellent
Final version of template includes parts 1-4 (entire template) compiled into one cohesive document
0 pts
Fair
NA
0 pts
Good
NA
0 pts
Poor
Final version of template not compiled into one cohesive document
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization:Paragraphs make clear points that support well developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused–neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance.
5 to >4.0 pts
Excellent
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity.
4 to >3.0 pts
Good
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time.
3 to >2.0 pts
Fair
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%- 79% of the time.
2 to >0 pts
Poor
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time.
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting—English Writing Standards:Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation.
5 to >4.0 pts
Excellent
Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.
4 to >3.0 pts
Good
Contains a few (one or two) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
3 to >2.0 pts
Fair
Contains several (three or four) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
2 to >0 pts
Poor
Contains many (five or more) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding.
Nurse ExecutiveWebsite: Nurse Executive CompetenciesAmerican Organization for Nursing Leadership. (2015). AONL Nurse Executive competenciesLinks to an external site.. Retrieved from https://www.aonl.org/resources/nurse-leader-competencies
Public Health NursingWebsite: Public Health Nursing CompetenciesQuad Council Coalition. (2018). Community/Public Health NursingLinks to an external site. [C/PHN] competencies. Retrieved from https://www.cphno.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/QCC-C-PHN-COMPETENCIES-Approved_2018.05.04_Final-002.pdf
