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Technical Information and Data


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Technical Information and Data

Numbered Memos

BRFSS POLICY MEMO 97.1
COGNITIVE TESTING

The BRFSS survey instrument is revised annually based on input from states and CDC programs. The American Statistical Association (ASA) working group was consulted about ways that the process of developing wording for new questions or modifying the wording of existing questions to the survey could be improved. 

Beginning with the 1998 questionnaire, all new or substantially revised questions to be included in the instrument must undergo formal testing at a cognitive laboratory approved by the Behavioral Surveillance Branch (BSB). This policy applies to questions from the core, rotating core, emerging core, and optional modules, but not to state-added questions. If a proposed new question or revision to an existing question has previously been tested at a cognitive laboratory, this will generally constitute compliance with this policy. However, BSB will make the final decision regarding the adequacy of cognitive testing.

Information from cognitive testing will be used by BSB and states to decide whether to accept the questions, what the final wording should be, and to document issues relevant to data interpretation.

The costs for cognitive testing are to be absorbed by the program or other entity proposing new questions or substantial revisions to existing questions.

 




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This page last reviewed June 22, 2005

United States Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Division of Adult and Community Health