We are planning to 'adapt' a pre-existing measure of a health related construct for application in a new setting. Our plan is to do a round of construct definition from scratch, and then to look at the existing measure to see how much that measure overlaps with our definition stage. Where there is overlap we will adapt those items, where there is no coverage on the existing measure we will write new items.
We are wondering at what point the measure which ultimately results from this process stops being an adaptation of the original scale, and becomes a new one altogether.
Any thoughts or references?
I do not think there is a "line." That would suggest the sort of clarity produced by border crossings with armed guards on either side. Rather, I think there is a "zone." On one side lies adaptation - on the other, development - but within: all is twilit. To my eye, what you are doing is closer to scale development, especially if you identify several aspects of the construct not tapped by the current measure. This suggests that you may want to minimize the "lifting" of items from the existing measure, unless you obtain permission from its authors, lest you be accused of copyright violation.
I have experience with the development of a tool based on another tool, and what you describe sounds more like the development than an adaptation. There is no "line" indeed, but my understanding is that the moment you make changes, add or remove indicators it becomes your tool based on or inspired by another tool.
This is one of those situations where you let the data do the talking. The result gives you both a new set of parameters and a way to critique older parameters. Thus where no service was previously provided and new service is required by the data you have critiqued the older with the newer. Where there is overlap that is incomplete the data will argue for a reformation of older boundaries. So with your work you will need to add a subsection describing the manner in which the new work critiques existing health boundaries.
Whether this is a new scale or an adaptation of an existing one is whether you are using previously created items to add to the scale you are creating or whether you are adding items you create to an existing scale. Either way you need to acknowledge the creator of the existing scale.
Even if you used the scale as designed you would still need to test the validity and reliability with your population in your setting. It is even more important if you are adapting the scale and/or creating a new one.
Hi Teddy - thanks for your response and nice to see you here! I hope you are well.
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