SAQ-SHORT FORM

SAQ-Short Form

The Substance Abuse Questionnaire (SAQ)-Short Form has 64 items and can be completed in 15 to 20 minutes. The SAQ-Short Form has four scales (measures): 1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Alcohol Scale, 3. Drugs Scale and 4. Risk Scale. It is a concise, yet meaningful, objective and standardized assessment instrument or test. The SAQ-Short Form has been normed and standardized on thousands of defendants and substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse clients.

 

 

Four SAQ-Short Form Scales (Measures)

1. Truthfulness Scale: Determines how honest and truthful the client was while completing the test. This scale identifies denial, problem minimization and attempts to fake good.
    
2. Alcohol Scale: Measures the severity of alcohol use and abuse. Alcohol refers to beer, wine and other liquor. Alcohol is a legal, or licit, substance.
    
3. Drugs Scale: Measures the severity of illicit drug use and abuse. Drugs refer to marijuana, crack, cocaine, barbiturates, amphetamines and heroin.
    
4. Risk Scale:Measures the client’s danger to self and others. This scale identifies problem prone people that manifest a pattern of taking unnecessary chances.

More Than Just Another Alcohol or Drug Test

In addition to alcohol and drugs, the SAQ-Short Form assesses other important areas of inquiry like truthfulness and risk (danger to self and others). This test is brief or to the point, yet provides important attitudinal and behavioral information. It is important to understand how truthful the client was while completing the test. The truthfulness of the client is especially important when evaluating substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse and client dangerousness to self and others.

Advantages of Screening

Screening or assessment instruments filter out individuals with serious problems that may require referral for a more comprehensive evaluation (psychiatric or psychological) and/or treatment. For example:

Reference to the above risk range table shows that a problem is not identified until a scale score is at the 70^th percentile or higher. And, these risk range percentiles are based upon the thousands of probationers and defendants that have taken the SAQ-Short Form. This procedure is eminently fair, and it avoids both extremes, i.e., over-identification and under-identification of problems and risk.

A department, court, prosecutor, defense attorney or probation officer might refer offenders with identified problems for further evaluation, intervention, treatment or even incarceration. In these cases, eleven percent (11%) of the offenders screened (Severe Problem) would be referred. In this example, eighty-nine percent (89%) (contingent upon adopted policy) of the offenders screened would not be referred for additional (and expensive) alternatives.

Budgetary savings (dollars) would be large with no compromises in needy people receiving appropriate evaluation and/or treatment services. Indeed, more needy people would receive help. Without a screening program, there is usually much more risk of over or under-utilization of additional professional services.

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There are 3 SAQ versions, and links are provided to each. SAQ version webpages are presented here. Each of these tests is represented in the Alphabetical Listing of Tests and the Functional Grouping of Tests.

Test Booklet

SAQ-Short Form test booklets and answer sheets are provided free. These booklets contain 64 items, which are written at a high 5^th to low 6^th grade level. If a person can read the newspaper, they can read the SAQ-Short Form. And, these booklets are available in English and Spanish.

Reports

In brief, SAQ-Short Form reports summarize the client’s self-reported history, explain what attained scale scores mean and contain specific score-related recommendations.

Within 2½ minutes of test data entry, automated (computer-scored) 3-page reports are printed on-site. These reports summarize a lot of information in an easily understood format. For example, reports include an SAQ-Short Form profile (graph), which summarizes findings at a glance. Also included are scale scores, an explanation of what each score means and specific score-related recommendations. Significant items (direct admissions) are highlighted, and answers to the built-in multiple choice (last sequence of items) are presented. Emphasis is placed on helpful and meaningful reports that are easily understood.

An example SAQ-Short Form report is presented at the end of this webpage. To go directly to this report, click on the SAQ-Short Form Example Report link.

Software

The SAQ-Short Form is available in MS-DOS and Windows format. MS-DOS diskettes contain their own software. Windows diskettes require a one-time computer setup procedure after which SAQ-Short Form data (25 or 50 tests) diskettes are used. Training manuals are provided free, and new test users can be walked through these procedures over Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc.'s (Risk & Needs') telephone line.

Proprietary SAQ-Short Form diskettes contain 25 or 50 test applications. These 3½" and 5¼" data (25 or 50 tests) diskettes score, interpret and print reports on-site. Once an SAQ-Short Form account is established, ordered diskettes are mailed to users. Ninety-seven percent (97%) of orders are placed in the same day’s return mail. When all test applications are used, diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs where the test data is downloaded into the SAQ-Short Form database for subsequent research analysis. The proprietary "delete names" program is activated by the test user with a few keystrokes to delete all client names from the diskette before it is returned to Risk & Needs. Deleting all client names insures client confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).

The "SAQ: Orientation and Training Manual" explains how the SAQ-Short Form works and should be read by staff. The "SAQ: Computer Operating Guide" explains how to score tests, print or store reports and discusses computer-related features.

SAQ Short Form Database

The SAQ Short Form system contains a proprietary database. Earlier, it was noted that all SAQ-Short Form used diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs, and the test data is downloaded into the SAQ-Short Form database. This database allows ongoing research and testing program summary -- capabilities that were not possible before. Ongoing research insures quality control. Test program summaries provide for program self-evaluation.

Built-in Database

The SAQ-Short Form permits ongoing research and annual testing program summary – at no additional cost. As discussed earlier, when the 25 or 50 tests on a data diskette are used, that diskette is returned to Risk & Needs and downloaded into the SAQ-Short Form's expanding database.

In summary, having all used SAQ-Short Form diskettes’ test data centrally filed at Risk & Needs' offices has many advantages. Database analysis permits ongoing cost efficient research that includes scale alpha coefficients, ANOVA, frequency distributions, correlations, cross-tab statistics along with reliability, validity and accuracy determinations. An example SAQ-Short Form research study can be reviewed by clicking on the SAQ-Short Form Research Study link.

Annual Summary Reports

Risk & Needs can access each of its tests' built-in databases for statistical analysis and summarization of all tests administered in a year. Annual Summary Reports are prepared for state, department, agency and even some individual providers -- at no cost to them. These reports are provided as a professional courtesy to large volume test users. Summary reports include demographics, court-history when relevant, and test statistics (reliability, validity and accuracy). Has anyone offered to summarize your testing program? Annually? At no additional cost to you? Minimum testing volume for annual reports is 350 tests. There is no maximum limit. Risk & Needs' annual reports range in size from 350 tests to over 55,000 tests annually. An example Annual Summary Report can be viewed by clicking on this Annual Summary Reports link.

Reliability and Validity

The SAQ-Short Form has a built-in database that insures inclusion of administered tests in a confidential (no names) manner. Over 40,000 clients are represented in this database. And, these reliability, validity and accuracy statistics are reported in the document titled "SAQ: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Annual database analysis further demonstrates that SAQ-Short Form scales maintain very high reliability coefficients.

For example, internal consistencies (coefficient alphas) for SAQ-Short Form scales are reported for 7,986 clients screened in the year 2002. This is one among several year 2002 studies.

All SAQ-Short Form scales have alpha coefficients well above the professionally accepted standard of .75 and are highly reliable. All of these coefficient alphas are significant at the p<.001 level.

Many validity studies have been done using criterion measures and were validated with other tests. For example, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L-Scale and F-Scale, SAQ-Adult Probation III, Defendant Questionnaire, etc. Much of this research is summarized in the document titled "SAQ: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Subsequently, discriminant validity and predictive validity database research continues to support SAQ-Short Form reliability, validity and accuracy.

Research Publication

Nebraska Probation Department's Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) selection process was automated with Risk & Needs tests.  These tests include the Driver Risk Inventory-II, SAQ-Adult Probation III, Domestic Violence Inventory and the ACDI-Corrections Version II. Because the SAQ-Short Form was derived from the SAQ-Adult Probation III used in the study, this important research is relevant and the results of the study are applicable to the SAQ-Short Form. This research is reported in Edward C. Birkel and David L. Wegner's article (2000). "Accurate Intensive Supervision Probation Selection: Revisited." American Probation and Parole Association, Perspectives, Vol. 24, #4 Fall, pp. 18-21. To read this article click on the Perspectives Research Article link.

SAQ-Short Form Scale Correlations

SAQ-Short Form scale scores are highly correlated with SAQ-Adult Probation III scores. A high correlation coefficient between the Short Form and the standard form means that there is a high degree of relationship between the two forms. Correlation coefficients vary from zero to 1, where zero correlation means there is no relationship, and 1 means that two variables are perfectly related. Correlation coefficients between the SAQ-Short Form and SAQ-Adult Probation III are very close to perfect correlation.

These results show that SAQ-Short Form scale scores are highly correlated with SAQ-Adult Probation III scale scores. A high correlation coefficient means that there is a high degree of relatedness between the two forms. In the above table, SAQ-Short Form scale items were correlated against the SAQ-Adult Probation III scales in this sample of SAQ-Adult Probation III data. SAQ-Short Form scales are subsets of SAQ-Adult Probation III scales (same or similar items are in both tests) and they are shown to be highly correlated with the SAQ-Adult Probation III scales. Along with having fewer items per scale the SAQ-Short Form Risk Scale is a short combination of SAQ-Adult Probation III Violence Scale, Antisocial Scale and Aggressiveness Scale test items. Also, the Stress Coping Abilities Scale is not included in the SAQ-Short Form. For adult offender assessment, test users now have a choice: SAQ-Adult Probation III or SAQ-Short Form.

Validity analyses confirm that the SAQ-Short Form measures what it purports to measure. These findings are reported in "SAQ-Short Form Reliability and Validity in a Large Sample of Adult Offenders (N = 7,986) Studied in the Year 2002." To go directly to this research study, click on the SAQ-Short Form Research Study link.

Scale Interpretation: There are several levels of scale interpretation ranging from viewing the SAQ-Adult Probation III and the SAQ-Short Form as self-reports to interpreting scale elevations and scale interrelationships. This discussion (scale interpretation) is presented on the SAQ-Adult Probation III webpage. Interested parties should click on this Scale Interpretation link.

Staff Member Input

Some people advocate fully automated assessment. Risk & Needs does not. The SAQ-Short Form is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment. When available, court and probation records should be reviewed because they contain important information not provided or incorrectly provided by the client. Experienced staff should also interview the client. For these reasons, the following statement is contained in each SAQ-Short Form report: "SAQ-SHORT FORM results are confidential and are working hypotheses. No diagnosis or decision should be based solely upon these results. These test results are to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment and review of available records."

SAQ-Adult Probation III: To ensure visitors at the SAQ-Short Form webpage are aware of the SAQ-Adult Probation III, we have included this link.  The SAQ-Adult Probation III has 149 items and takes 30 minutes to complete. It has seven measures (scales): 1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Violence (Lethality) Scale, 3. Antisocial Scale, 4. Aggressiveness Scale, 5. Alcohol Scale, 6. Drugs Scale and 7. Stress Coping Abilities Scale. To go directly to this webpage, click on this SAQ-Adult Probation III link.

Automated Criminogenic Structured Interview (ACSI): The ACSI is a structured interview, not a test. The ACSI consists of 65 multiple choice items. It obtains comprehensive background history, pattern of substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse and criminogenic needs information. Whatever multiple choice item answer that is selected is printed in the ACSI report. Use of the ACSI is voluntary (not required). The ACSI is free. ACSI use is restricted to users of Risk & Needs adult tests. The ACSI is not a test, and it is not to be used as a standalone test. The ACSI is a structured interview. For more information on the ACSI and to see an ACSI report, click on this ACSI link.

Unique SAQ-Short Form Features

The Truthfulness Scale identifies denial, problem minimization and faking. It is now clear that many clients attempt to minimize their problems. A Truthfulness Scale is now a necessary component in contemporary client tests. The SAQ-Short Form's Truthfulness Scale has been validated with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), polygraph exams, other tests, experienced staff judgment and truthfulness studies. The Truthfulness Scale has been demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate. In some respects, the SAQ-Short Form's Truthfulness Scale is similar to the MMPI’s L and F-Scales. It consists of a number of items that most people agree or disagree with.

Truth-Corrected scores have proven to be very important for assessment accuracy. The proprietary truth correction program is comparable to the MMPI's K-Scale correction. The SAQ-Short Form's Truthfulness Scale has been correlated with the 3 other scales. The Truth Correction equation converts raw scores to Truth-Corrected scores. Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores. Raw scores reflect what the client wants you to know. Truth-Corrected scores reveal what the client is trying to hide.

More than just another alcohol or drug test. In addition to alcohol and drugs, the SAQ-Short Form assesses other important areas of inquiry like truthfulness, denial, faking and client risk. The SAQ-Short Form is specifically designed for client assessment. It provides the information needed for understanding client attitudes and behavior.

Three ways to give the SAQ-Short Form. The SAQ-Short Form can be administered in three different ways: 1. Paper-pencil test booklet format is the most popular testing procedure. SAQ-Short Form English and Spanish test booklets are available. 2. SAQ-Short Form tests can be given directly on the computer screen. Some probation departments dedicate computers for SAQ-Short Form testing. And, 3. Human voice audio in English and Spanish. This approach involves a computer, a headset, and the client uses the up-down arrow keys. As the client goes from question to answer with the arrow keys, each question and answer is highlighted on the monitor (screen) and simultaneously read to the client. The three administration modes are discussed in the "SAQ: Orientation and Training Manual." Each test administration mode has advantages and some limitations. Risk & Needs offers these three testing modes so test users can select the administration mode that is optimally suited to their needs.

Reading Impaired Assessment. Reading impaired clients represent 20+ percent of clients tested. This represents a serious problem to many other client tests. In contrast, Risk & Needs has developed an alternative for dealing with this problem, i.e., "human voice audio."

Human Voice Audio: Presentation of the SAQ-Short Form in English and Spanish helps overcome many reading and cultural difference issues. A client’s passive vocabulary is often greater than their active (or spoken) vocabulary. Hearing items read out loud often helps reduce both cultural and communication problems. This human voice audio administration mode requires a computer, earphones and simple instructions regarding how to operate the up-down arrow keys on the computer keyboard.

Confidentiality: Risk & Needs encourages test users to delete clients’ names from diskettes before they are returned to Risk & Needs. Once client names are deleted, they are gone and cannot be retrieved. Deleting client names does not delete demographics or test data, which is downloaded into the SAQ-Short Form database for subsequent analysis. This proprietary name deletion procedure involves a few keystrokes and insures client confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).

Test Data Input Verification allows the person that inputs test data from the answer sheet into the computer to verify the accuracy of their data input. In brief, test data is input twice, and any inconsistencies between the first and second data entries are highlighted until corrected. When the first and second data entries match or are the same, staff can continue. This proprietary Test Data Input Verification procedure is optional, yet it is strongly recommended by Risk & Needs.

Inventory of Scientific Findings: Much of the SAQ-Short Form research has been gathered together in one document titled "SAQ: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." This document summarizes SAQ-Short Form research chronologically -- as the studies were completed. This innovative chronological reporting format was established largely because of the SAQ-Short Form database, which permits annual database analysis of all tests administered. It also allows the reader to observe the evolution of the SAQ-Short Form into its current state-of-the-art position.

Orientation and Training Manual: The "SAQ: Orientation and Training Manual" (O&T Manual) explains how the SAQ-Short Form works. This manual is a must read for staff that will be using the SAQ-Short Form. O&T Manual content includes, but is not limited to, the following: instructions for testing, an explanation of how scores are derived, a description of how court and corrections information is used, specific unique SAQ-Short Form features and much more.

Computer Operating Guide: Some computer operators want more information than others. Consequently, Risk & Needs provides a One-Page Quick Start, which includes basic information for scoring SAQ-Short Forms, and the more comprehensive "SAQ: Computer Operating Guide." The Computer Operating Guide contains instructions for using MS-DOS as well as Windows software. This manual discusses hardware, software, scoring, printing reports, unique program features and much more.

Staff Training: Risk & Needs' staff is available to participate in SAQ-Short Form training programs conducted by probation departments, courts and assessment agencies in the United States. Risk & Needs typically participates in 4-hour or 6-hour SAQ-Short Form training sessions. This training can include hands-on computer scoring, as desired. Risk & Needs gives attendees certificates attesting to training.

Staff training is also provided on Fridays at Risk & Needs' Phoenix offices from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. These training sessions are free. To participate, contact Risk & Needs at least ten days in advance. Participation is on a first call, first scheduled basis.

Test Unit Fee (Cost): SAQ-Short Form cost information can be reviewed by clicking on the Test Unit Fee (Cost) link. There is only the one cost or charge, and that is the test unit fee. Everything else is included at no additional cost to the test user. This includes test booklets, answer sheets, training manuals, upgrades, ongoing database research, annual summary testing reports, staff training, and support services. Do not be misled by some test publishers' à la carte pricing like separate costs for each test administration as well as for each of the test-related items listed above. Instead of asking for the test administration cost, ask for the total cost involved in using a test. We believe Risk & Needs' one test unit fee is very affordable.

Free Examination Kit: A 1-test SAQ-Short Form demonstration diskette is available on a 30-day cost free basis. Demo diskettes are in MS-DOS format so that the software is contained on the diskette. This way, the one-time Windows setup program is avoided at the demo level. The examination kit contains a 1-test demo diskette, test booklet (reusable), an answer sheet (can photocopy), an "SAQ: Orientation and Training Manual," One-Page Quick Start and some descriptive information. Risk & Needs does want the demonstration diskette and test booklet returned within 30 days of receipt. To request a free examination kit, click on the Free Examination Kit Request link.

How to Proceed: To become a Risk & Needs test user, click on the Agreement & Proposals link, click on the Print Client User Agreement button and fax the completed form to (602) 266-8227, or mail your completed form to Risk & Needs. Upon its receipt by Risk & Needs, you become a Risk & Needs user and can order tests. Established Risk & Needs test users can reorder tests by mail, telephone, fax or e-mail.

Other related links are listed for reference. They are available as needed.

     Test Unit Fee (Cost) webpage link. Explains Risk & Needs' Test Unit Fees or Costs.
     New Client Order webpage link. Explains steps to become a "new Risk & Needs client."
     How to Order webpage link. Explains how Risk & Needs tests can be ordered.

Additional information can be provided upon request. Contact Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc., P.O. Box 44828, Phoenix, Arizona 85064-4828. Risk & Needs' telephone number is (602) 234-3506, our fax number is (602) 266-8227 and our e-mail address is hhl@riskandneeds.com.

Selecting a Substance Abuse Assessment Instrument or Test

If you are selecting a substance abuse assessment instrument, the following Comparison Checklist should prove helpful. This checklist itemizes important assessment and screening qualities. The "Other" column represents any other test you might want to compare to the SAQ-Short Form.