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Measuring Numeracy without a Math Test: Development of the Subjective Numeracy Scale

Author

Listed:
  • Angela Fagerlin

    (VA Health Services Research & Development Center for Practice Management and Outcomes Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Center for Behavioral and Decision Sciences in Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, fagerlin@med.umich.edu)

  • Brian J. Zikmund-Fisher

    (VA Health Services Research & Development Center for Practice Management and Outcomes Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Center for Behavioral and Decision Sciences in Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan)

  • Peter A. Ubel

    (VA Health Services Research & Development Center for Practice Management and Outcomes Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Center for Behavioral and Decision Sciences in Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan)

  • Aleksandra Jankovic

    (Center for Behavioral and Decision Sciences in Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan)

  • Holly A. Derry

    (Center for Behavioral and Decision Sciences in Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan)

  • Dylan M. Smith

    (VA Health Services Research & Development Center for Practice Management and Outcomes Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Center for Behavioral and Decision Sciences in Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan)

Abstract

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 useable 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

Suggested Citation

  • Angela Fagerlin & Brian J. Zikmund-Fisher & Peter A. Ubel & Aleksandra Jankovic & Holly A. Derry & Dylan M. Smith, 2007. "Measuring Numeracy without a Math Test: Development of the Subjective Numeracy Scale," Medical Decision Making, , vol. 27(5), pages 672-680, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:medema:v:27:y:2007:i:5:p:672-680
    DOI: 10.1177/0272989X07304449
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Baker, D.W. & Parker, R.M. & Williams, M.V. & Clark, W.S. & Nurss, J., 1997. "The relationship of patient reading ability to self-reported health and use of health services," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 87(6), pages 1027-1030.
    2. Brian J. Zikmund-Fisher & Dylan M. Smith & Peter A. Ubel & Angela Fagerlin, 2007. "Validation of the Subjective Numeracy Scale: Effects of Low Numeracy on Comprehension of Risk Communications and Utility Elicitations," Medical Decision Making, , vol. 27(5), pages 663-671, September.
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