AQ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the person with TBI asked to compare his/her current abilities to his/her pre-injury abilities?
2. What should I do if the respondent wants to skip an item or is having so much difficulty deciding on one number that he/she wants to give an intermediate response such as 2.5?
3. Is the AQ appropriate for use in clinical assessment?

1. Why is the person with TBI asked to compare his/her current abilities to his/her pre-injury abilities?
Some persons with significant impaired self-awareness after TBI state that their cognitive abilities are actually better after their injuries. Since it is impossible to have improved memory or other cognitive abilities after brain injuries, this response possibility permits study of this particular manifestation of impaired self-awareness.

2. What should I do if the respondent wants to skip an item or is having so much difficulty deciding on one number that he/she wants to give an intermediate response such as 2.5?
In our experience, almost all respondents will respond to all items with appropriate ratings if encouraged. We performed an item analysis of the AQ prior to final selection of items and eliminated items that were commonly left blank. Intermediate ratings were not anticipated when scoring rules were developed and should not be accepted. Failure to rate an item can be handled by substituting the mean score for all other items.

3. Is the AQ appropriate for use in clinical assessment?
The AQ was designed and validated for use in investigations of impaired self-awareness. Nonetheless, patient and family member responses to the AQ provide information that may be helpful in identifying key concerns or lack of concern regarding various areas of functioning. This information could then be discussed with the person with TBI and used in treatment planning.