Validity of the school setting interview: an assessment of the student–environment fit

Abstract

The School Setting Interview (SSI) is an internationally used client-centred interview assessment that specifically investigates the student–environment fit for students with physical disabilities. In this study the Rasch measurement model was used to examine validity of the SSI; specifically, whether or not the SSI measures a unidimensional construct. Data for analysis included SSI assessments of 87 Swedish students with physical disabilities aged between 8 and 19 years of age. The results of the Rasch analysis revealed that all items had acceptable infit MnSq and z values supporting evidence of construct validity of the SSI. The established order of the difficulty of the items was also shown to be in acceptable congruence with the theoretical basis for item development. In addition, the analysis revealed aspects of the SSI that need improvements, such as the need for more challenging items and refinements of the manual. Further investigations of validity in different cultural contexts are recommended.

• disabilities
• School Setting Interview
• student–environment fit

Hemmingsson H, Kottorp A, Bernspång B. Validity of the school setting interview: an assessment of the student–environment fit. Scand J Occup Ther 2004; 11: 171–178.

Hemmingsson H, Kottorp A, Bernspång B. Validity of the school setting interview: an assessment of the student–environment fit. Scand J Occup Ther 2004; 11: 171–178.