How did we validate the CONNECT Survey?

Survey validation, the process through which survey questions have been proven to yield consistent, accurate results from the intended population, is critical in determining whether the data gathered correctly reflects the experiences of the patient.

Survey validation

The validation of the survey was conducted using two distinct datasets:

  • A primary dataset collected from pediatric clinics via the Mid-Atlantic Reach Out and Read network used for psychometric validation
  • A secondary dataset collected from Florida Reach Out and Read clinics used to assess test-retest reliability.

Within the Mid-Atlantic, the CONNECT survey was simply distributed to parents in 131 clinics immediately after their well-child visit. Just over 10,000 surveys were collected and resulted in a sample of nearly 3,000 surveys that reflected the racial and ethnic diversity of the families served by Reach Out and Read on a national level.

In the Florida Reach Out and Read Affiliate, parents were asked to complete the CONNECT survey twice — once just after their child’s well-child visit and then again 5-7 days later. Responses were matched across time points using unique identifiers, resulting in a final analytic sample of 60 matched parent responses.