Analysis of the Earning Capacity Assessment Form-2: Some Australian data

Abstract

The Earning Capacity Assessment Form-2 assesses the factors that inhibit and facilitate an individual’s vocational rehabilitation following an acquired disability (e.g. accident, misadventure). The purpose of this paper is to provide a psychometric analysis of the form. Data on Australian accident victims (N = 87) from a medico-legal vocational assessment practice were used as a basis for evaluation. In order to resolve scoring issues, the responses were converted to dichotomous categories and analysed using the Rasch method. It was concluded that there are weaknesses in the rationale of the Earning Capacity Assessment Form-2 but that some components may be worthwhile where economic loss is a consideration. A revised categorisation is proposed.