Abstract
The traditional procedure for obtaining judged estimates of treatment-related change involves total randomization of the order of materials to be presented for judgment. An alternative approach (linked judgments) is considered as a potential solution to certain instrumentation-related threats to the validity of statistical conclusions which are present with the traditional rating procedure. Data on the effectiveness of a commercial body-slenderizing program are presented. Analysis suggests that linked judgments provide both a more powerful and a more valid index of effectiveness of treatment than the traditional totally randomized procedure. Advantages and disadvantages of the two procedures for obtaining judges' ratings, depending on the relative importance to the purpose of a study of accurately assessing change vs one particular value obtained before or after treatment, are discussed.
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