The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a self-report measure consisting simply of a 10 centimeter line with a statement at each end representing one extreme of the dimension being measured (most often intensity of pain). The respondent gives their indication with a pen mark on the line corresponding to their answer, e.g. the present pain level. It is a widely used, noted for ease of administration. When used to measure pain, it reliably differentiates between sensory and affective pain.
Author
E.C. Huskisson
Reliability and Validity
Scott J, Huskisson EC (1979) Vertical or horizontal visual analogue scales Annals of Rheumatological Disease 38, 560. Revill SI, Robinson JO, Rosen M et al (1976) The reliability of a linear analogue for evaluating pain Anaesthesia 31, 1191 – 8
Downie WW, Leatham PA, Rhind VM et al (1978) Studies with pain rating scales Annals of Rheumatology Disease 37, 378 ñ 381
More Information
Administration, Analysis and Reporting
Intellectus Consulting can assist the student or professional researcher in administering the survey instrument, collecting the data, conducting the analyses and explaining the results.
For additional information on these services, click here.
References
E.C. Huskisson (1974) Measurement of pain. The Lancet 9, 2, 1127-1131.