What is Data Collection at MHS?
MHS is a leading publisher of scientifically validated
assessment tools. We are constantly in the process of developing new and
innovative assessment tools and require the assistance of professionals to help
collect normative and validation data for these tools.
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What are the benefits of
participating in data collection?
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Compensation for participation. Please contact the Data
Collection Department for more information about the compensation options that
are available.
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Gain access to new and exciting assessment tools and use them
before they are published
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Receive assessment tools free of charge
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Receive acknowledgement as a data collection site in the
assessment’s technical manual
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How do I participate in data
collection?
You can participate in data collection by becoming a data collection site
administrator. In this capacity, you will recruit participants to complete
either a paper-and-pencil or online version of an assessment. Participants’
responses will form part of the normative or validation data needed to publish
the assessment tool.
If you have not purchased from MHS in the past, please complete a Qualification
Form.
You can download a Qualification Form from our website at
www.mhs.com. Simply click the Data Collection link in the left side
menu, and follow the steps outlined there. Once you have completed these steps
and submitted your information, a representative from the Data Collection
Department will contact you. Upon approval by the Data Collection Department,
you will be sent the necessary materials to participate in data collection.
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In what formats are data
collection assessments available?
Most data collection assessments are available in paper-and-pencil format. Many
of our data collection assessments are also available in online format. The
online format is very convenient because participants can complete the
assessment at any time from any computer, as long as they have Internet access.
Collecting data online is faster and easier than using paper-and-pencil
assessments because participants’ answers are stored as soon as the assessment
is complete— there is no need to mail back completed forms. For
paper-and-pencil assessments, the original completed response forms must be
returned to MHS.
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Do the originals of completed
paper-and-pencil forms need to be returned to MHS?
Yes. All original completed paper-and-pencil forms must be returned to MHS in
order for them to be processed. We are not able to process photocopies of
forms. Data collection sites are not permitted to keep photocopies of completed
forms because this constitutes a violation of copyright. For more information,
please contact our Legal Department at legaldept@mhs.com.
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Does the Data Collection
Department require personal information from my participants?
We collect standard information that is necessary to norm the assessment and
accurately describe the normative sample. We typically ask about the
respondent’s age, gender, ethnicity, birthday, living circumstances, education
and other variables depending on the instrument. When youth participants are
involved, an adult (e.g., parent, teacher, etc.) may also be asked to complete
the assessment. In these cases we ask what the respondent’s relationship is to
the youth. We do not require that respondents include their names. We prefer
that you identify your participants by numbers.
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Does the Data Collection
Department have a standard consent form?
Yes. The Data Collection Department has two standard consent forms: one for
adults and one for youths. MHS encourages all data collection sites to use
these forms. The youth consent form is to be completed by the parent/guardian
of each respondent under the age of majority. This form contains demographic
information which we feel is best completed by the parent/guardian. All fields
on these forms need to be completed to participate in data collection. These
forms are scannable and compatible with MHS systems.
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How does
MHS handle confidential information and responses to assessment items?
Responses are obtained anonymously and kept in strict confidence. The results
are coded in such a way that the respondent’s identity will not be attached to
the final data. All data are stored in a secure location with access
restrictions and will not be disclosed unless required by law. MHS retains the
right to use and publish non-identifiable data. Any personal information
transmitted to MHS is protected according to the
MHS Privacy Policy.
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Can I compare the results of my
participants to the general populations?
No. Since the assessments are in the data collection phase, this comparison is
not possible. There are no high or low scores available during the data
collection phase. The purpose of data collection is to compile normative data.
You will only be able to compare your results within your own sample. There is
also no information available about the reliability and validity of the
assessments during the data collection phase. This information will be
available once the assessment is published.
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Can I publish the results of
research I conduct using data collection assessments?
Yes. We request that you send a copy of the research paper to MHS for our
records. If you are publishing or presenting results, you are not permitted to
reproduce items or instructions from a data collection instrument without
written permission from our Legal Department. Failing to obtain written
permission prior to using the material would be a violation of copyright.
Please contact the Legal Department at legaldept@mhs.com
for more information.
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Can I request a translation of an
assessment in data collection?
We do not normally translate assessments that are in development. We only
translate published assessments. If you require a translation of an assessment
in data collection, you can contact our Translations Department at
translations@mhs.com and they will keep your request on file until the
assessment is published.
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Can I use an assessment that has
been completed in data collection but is not yet published?
No. Once the data collection phase is complete, an assessment moves into the
final phase of development. The Data Collection Department cannot allow anyone
to access the assessment during this time. If you are interested in using an
assessment after data collection is complete, you can purchase it as soon as
the published version is released.
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