The Structure and Stability of the Proposed International Classification

The data presented in this chapter had a direct impact on the content and structure of the ICIDH-2 classification, and the development of assessment instruments. The methods were chosen to help to identify the correct placement of items in the classification, and to present clear information on the cross-cultural stability of the structure of ICIDH-2 as a whole. Methodologically, the data are at the other end of the spectrum from the data produced to investigate the more global issues concerning disability reported in the previous chapter (key informant, focus group and centre description data). While the data have significant qualitative components, the methods used are designed to provide a qualitative-quantitative bridge in the continuum of cross-cultural applicability methods. The primary question the methods were asked to answer was whether the concepts and items in the draft classification and assessment instruments could be constructed to include only items that met both the cultural and the psychometric requirements for the development of the classification and associated disability instruments.