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Differences Between Measures

How Measures Vary

Measures vary in many ways: by measure type, administration method, respondent, measurement system, measure length, version number, domain, and more.

CAT vs. Short Form

Computer adaptive tests (CATs) and short forms vary in how they are administered, the number of items they include, and their precision.
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CAT Variations

CATs vary in how they select items to administer and the rules they use to stop.
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Respondent

For children, there are two measure types: self-report and proxy report. The child selects responses themselves for self-report measures. For proxy measures, a parent or caregiver reports on behalf of the child.

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Version Number

Sometimes there are multiple versions (e.g., v1.0, v1.1, v2.0) of a measure. This impacts which measures can be compared to each other.

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Compare Measurement Systems

Review differences between PROMIS®, Neuro-QoL™, NIH Toolbox®, and ASCQ-Me® measures.
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Physical Function, Mobility, and Upper Extremity Function

HealthMeasures includes measures for Physical Function, Mobility, and Upper Extremity Function. These are related but distinct domains.

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Differences Between Short Forms

Some domains offer multiple short forms that vary in what items are included and measure length. Consequently, some are better suited for specific uses than others. Detailed descriptions of differences between short forms are in the Measure Differences summaries.

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Differences Between Profiles

PROMIS profile measures vary by what domains they include, measure type (short forms or CATs), length, and precision. These differences make each profile appropriate for different purposes. A detailed description of differences between profiles is in the Measure Differences summary.

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PROMIS Measure Differences

The following summaries describe the differences between measures (version number, subdomain, short forms, respondent types) within a domain.

Neuro-QoL Measure Differences

Some Neuro-QoL measures have multiple versions (e.g., v1.0, v2.0). These differences are described below.

Cognitive Function

Instead of two item banks (version 1) to assess adult cognitive function (Applied Cognition–Executive Function and Applied Cognition–General Concerns), version 2 has a single Cognitive Function item bank comprised of items measuring both executive function and general concerns. Additionally, Cognitive Function v2.0 items were recalibrated using data obtained from a general population sample. Consequently, scores from different versions of these domains cannot be compared. Cognitive Function v2.0 is recommended over v1.0. Adult Applied Cognition-Executive Function and adult and pediatric Applied Cognition-General Concerns instruments are available upon request.

Pediatric Fatigue

Pediatric Fatigue v2.1 was recalibrated using data obtained from a general population sample. Consequently, scores from different versions of pediatric fatigue cannot be compared. Pediatric Fatigue v2.1 is recommended. Pediatric Fatigue v2.0 is available upon request.

NIH Toolbox Measure Differences

In 2023, NIH Toolbox v3.0 replaced NIH Toolbox v2.0. In most (but not all) cases, NIH Toolbox v2.0 and v3.0 measures include the same items. However, there are three main differences between v2.0 and v3.0. These are:

  • Different item administration engines. V3.0 includes new features to allow more flexibility in CAT stopping rules and uses streamlined code. Measure scoring is the same.
  • Different CAT stopping rules (see Measure Differences summaries below).
  • V2.0 measures previously administered as fixed forms are administered as CATs in v3.0.

Descriptions of the differences between NIH Toolbox v2.0 and v3.0 measures within a domain (e.g., Anger) are available in the following Measure Differences summaries:

  • Anger
    Includes Anger, Anger/Hostility, and Anger/Physical Aggression measures
  • Fear
    Includes Fear/Anxiety measures
  • Sadness/Apathy
    Includes Apathy and Sadness/Depression measures

View Psychological Well-Being Measure Differences

Includes:

  • Life Satisfaction
  • Meaning and Purpose
  • Positive Affect

View Sensation (Pain) Measure Differences

Includes:

  • Pain Intensity
  • Pain Interference

View Social Relationships Measure Differences

Includes:

  • Emotional Support
  • Empathic Behaviors
  • Friendship
  • Instrumental Support
  • Loneliness
  • Perceived Hostility
  • Peer/Perceived Rejection
  • Positive Peer Interaction
  • Social Withdrawal
  • Self-Efficacy
    Includes Emotion Control and Self-Efficacy measures
  • Stress
    Includes Perceived Stress measures

Version Numbers

In most cases, a measure with a decimal increase (e.g., v1.0 to v1.1) retains the same item-level parameters, reliability, and validity as the original measure. With a whole number increase (e.g., v1.0 to v2.0), the changes are more substantial. We recommend using the most recent version available. This is the one with the highest version number. Detailed descriptions of the changes between versions are available in Measure Differences summaries.

Identify if scores are comparable between measures versions in Compare Versions.

Difference Between Physical Function, Mobility, Upper Extremity

HealthMeasures includes measures for Physical Function, Mobility, and Upper Extremity function. These are related but distinct domains.

PROMIS

  • For adults there are self-report measures of Physical Function, Mobility, and Upper Extremity.
  • The Physical Function item bank is the largest collection of items. All items in Mobility and Upper Extremity measures also exist in the Physical Function item bank.
  • Physical Function and Mobility measures are scored on the same metric. Scores can be compared.
  • Upper Extremity is scored on its own metric. Using its own metric improved measurement properties for individuals with known or suspected upper extremity limitations.
  • In general, the PROMIS Physical Function measures have a wider range of measurement (no problems to severe dysfunction) than Mobility measures.
  • For PROMIS pediatric and parent proxy report measures, no general Physical Function measures exist. Mobility and Upper Extremity measures are scored on different metrics and therefore scores cannot be compared.

Neuro-QoL

  • For adult and pediatric self-report, Neuro-QoL includes separate measures for Mobility and Upper Extremity Function.
  • Mobility and Upper Extremity measures are scored on different metrics and therefore scores cannot be compared.

Last updated: September 14, 2026