Clinical applications of visual analogue scales: A critical review

Heather M. McCormack, David J.de L. Horne, Simon Sheather

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1656 Scopus citations

Abstract

Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) provide a simple technique for measuring subjective experience. They have been established as valid and reliable in a range of clinical and research applications, although there is also evidence of increased error and decreased sensitivity when used with some subject groups. Decisions concerned with the choice of scoring interval, experimental design, and statistical analysis for VAS have in some instances been based on convention, assumption and convenience, highlighting the need for more comprehensive assessment of individual scales if this versatile and sensitive measurement technique is to be used to full advantage.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1007-1019
Number of pages13
JournalPsychological Medicine
Volume18
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1988

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Applied Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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