Research instrumentation and elderly subjects.

Purpose: To address instrumentation problems in conducting research with elderly subjects.

Scope: The needs of older adults are considered with regard to instrument selection. Techniques for pretesting instruments are provided through illustrations from research reports and instrument development. Types of instruments are evaluated for use with older adults and methods for strengthening their applicability are provided.

Significance: Instrument development is sorely needed in gerontological research. Many of the instruments currently used to study elderly subjects lack adequate testing for applicability with old and very old populations. Knowledge about instrumentation can help researchers choose appropriate instruments for elderly subjects and strive to balance subject capacity and the demands of research.

Conclusions: Four factors for consideration in selecting research instruments for use with older adults include subject (a) fatigue, (b) anxiety, (c) ethnic background, and (d) education. These factors are not adequately addressed in the current literature. Certain types of instruments may be more useful than others in studying the elderly.