In testing and in research, you must have an effective and reliable way to measure change. While raw scores have typically been the go-to for this important role, Growth Scale Values (GSVs) are quickly becoming the preferred method.
Our Director of Pharma Sales, Lynsey Psimas, had the opportunity to speak with Mark Daniel, author of Growth Scale Value (GSV): Theory, Development, and Applications to discuss the importance of GSVs. He spent some time explaining GSVs and their importance in test scoring and pharma research.
Mark, tell us a little about yourself
My PhD program in experimental psychology focused on measurement, and even though content is always important in test development, I’ve put special focus on ways to structure, administer, and score tests to obtain as much useful information as possible in a reasonable time. Early in my career, I had the good fortune to work with Colin Elliott, who in the 1970s had developed one of the first clinical tests based on the Rasch model (a form of item response theory), the British Ability Scales. In creating the US version (Differential Ability Scales), we were able to make additional innovative applications of Rasch scaling, especially in adaptive and out-of-level testing.
Throughout my career, the Rasch model continued to be an important tool in developing diverse types of tests in cognition, neuropsychology, educational achievement, early childhood, speech/language, and behavior. Two decades ago, it was the basis for Growth Scale Values (similar to Woodcock’s W scores), which were originally designed to measure growth in school achievement, but which have also proven to be very useful in other change-oriented applications such as clinical trials. Currently I consult with Pharma researchers on behalf of Pearson to help them measure change most effectively, especially by using GSVs.
Thanks so much Mark for taking the time to answer our questions as well as provide knowledge, insight, and clarity around the importance of GSVs.
To learn more about the use of GSVs in research and testing, download Mark's Growth Scale Value (GSV): Theory, Development, and Applications report.
Mark Daniel, PhD
Mark’s PhD program in Experimental Psychology (Texas Christian University, 1984) emphasized quantitative methods and measurement. For 36 years he developed psychological and educational tests for The Psychological Corporation, AGS, and Pearson in the roles of Research Director, Director, and Principal Researcher. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (Division 5). Mark now consults with Pearson Pharma Research Services on ways to enhance the utility of clinical tests for treatment studies, with a focus on applying new methods of scoring and interpretation.
Lynsey Psimas, PhD
Dr. Psimas is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in the assessment of children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in private practice, therapeutic schools, and as a professor. She specializes in neuropsychological assessment, autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Dr. Psimas lives in Houston, Texas with her family.
