When digital versions of self-report symptom scales are compared to pen and paper versions , most scales show high interformat reliability .
This supports the reliability of results obtained in psychotherapy research on the Internet and the comparability of the results to traditional psychotherapy research .
BACKGROUND Research on Internet-based interventions typically use digital versions of pen and paper self-report symptom scales .
However , adaptation into the digital format could affect the psychometric properties of established self-report scales .
Several studies have investigated differences between digital and pen and paper versions of instruments , but no systematic review of the results has yet been done .
OBJECTIVE This review aims to assess the interformat reliability of  self-report symptom  scales used in digital or online psychotherapy research .
Methodological Issues in Internet-Mediated Research: A Randomized Comparison of Internet Versus Mailed Questionnaires
Background The majority of Internet-mediated studies use measures developed as paper- and -pencil measures or face-to-face-delivered material . Previous research suggests that the equivalence between online and offline measures must be demonstrated rather than assumed . Objective The objective of this study was to explore the equivalence 4 measures completed in an online or offline setting . Methods A sample of students ( n = 1969 ) was r and omly assigned to complete 4 popular scales ( the SF-12v2 , the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale ( HADS ) , the Fatigue Symptom Inventory , and a single-item fatigue measure ) either online or by mail survey ( pencil and paper ) . The response rate was 52.51 % ( n = 1034 ) and comparable between the online and offline groups . Results Significant differences were noted in fatigue levels between the online and offline group ( P = .01 ) as measured by the Fatigue Symptom Inventory , with the online sample demonstrating higher levels of fatigue . Equivalency was noted for the SF-12v2 , the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale , and the single-item fatigue measure . Internal consistency was high except for the SF-12v2 . The SF-12v2 may not be an ideal measure to use for remote administration . Conclusions Equivalency of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale ( HADS ) and the Physical Component Score and Mental Component Score of the SF-12v2 for online and offline data were demonstrated . Equivalency was not demonstrated for the Fatigue Symptom Inventory . Explanations for the difference in fatigue score between the online and offline sample s are unclear . Research that seeks to match sample s and control for extraneous online and offline variables is called for , along with exploration of factors that may mediate the completion of question naires or alter the respondents ’ relationship with the same , to enhance progress in this area
When digital versions of self-report symptom scales are compared to pen and paper versions , most scales show high interformat reliability .
This supports the reliability of results obtained in psychotherapy research on the Internet and the comparability of the results to traditional psychotherapy research .
BACKGROUND Research on Internet-based interventions typically use digital versions of pen and paper self-report symptom scales .
However , adaptation into the digital format could affect the psychometric properties of established self-report scales .
Several studies have investigated differences between digital and pen and paper versions of instruments , but no systematic review of the results has yet been done .
OBJECTIVE This review aims to assess the interformat reliability of  self-report symptom  scales used in digital or online psychotherapy research .