Measuring Numeracy without a Math Test: Development of the Subjective Numeracy Scale

Basic numeracy skills are necessary before patients can understand the risks of medical treatments. Previous research has used objective measures, similar to mathematics tests, to evaluate numeracy.

To design a subjective measure (i.e., self-assessment) of quantitative ability that distinguishes low- and high-numerate individuals yet is less aversive, quicker to administer, and more usable for telephone and Internet surveys than existing numeracy measures. RESEARCH DESIGN: Paper-and-pencil questionnaires. SUBJECTS: The general public (N = 703) surveyed at 2 hospitals. MEASURES: Forty-nine subjective numeracy questions were compared to measures of objective numeracy.