Psychology RootsFunctional Activities Questionnaire
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About Functional Activities Questionnaire
Scale Name
Functional Activities Questionnaire
Author Details
Robert I. Pfeffer
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), developed by Robert I. Pfeffer in 1982 and revised in 1984, is a 10-item (original) or 15-item (revised) informant-rated scale designed to assess independence in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) for community-dwelling older adults, particularly those with normal aging or mild senile dementia. Published in Neurobiology of Aging (1982), the FAQ follows Lawton and Brody’s hierarchical model of skills, focusing on higher-level “social functions” such as managing finances, shopping, reading, and meal preparation. It is completed by a lay informant (e.g., spouse, relative, friend) familiar with the individual’s daily functioning, making it suitable for dementia screening.
Each item is rated on a 4-point scale (0 = independent, 1 = requires assistance, 2 = has difficulty but independent, 3 = dependent), with provisions for scoring activities not typically performed (0 if capable, 1 if incapable). Total scores range from 0–30 (original) or 0–45 (revised), with higher scores indicating greater dependency. The FAQ was validated with 158 elderly individuals (mean age ≈ 65–85 years, mixed gender, U.S.-based) and correlates with Lawton and Brody’s IADL Scale (r = 0.72) and mental status measures (r ≈ 0.70–0.83). A cutoff score of 5/6 distinguishes normal aging from dementia (sensitivity 89%, specificity 71%). The FAQ is used in geriatrics, clinical psychology, and dementia research to screen for functional decline and inform care planning. Access requires permission from Neurobiology of Aging or the author.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the FAQ from Pfeffer et al. (1982, 1984) or authorized sources (e.g., Neurobiology of Aging), ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to the informant (e.g., spouse, relative) that the questionnaire assesses the individual’s ability to perform daily tasks, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 10-item (original) or 15-item (revised) scale in a clinical or community setting via interview with the informant, rating performance over recent weeks.
- Estimated completion time is 5–10 minutes.
- Ensure a private, supportive environment; provide dementia or mental health resources (e.g., Alzheimer’s support services) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., clear instructions) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The FAQ demonstrates strong psychometric properties (Pfeffer et al., 1982; Quiroga et al., 2001). Internal consistency is high (item-total correlations > 0.80, N = 158). Test-retest reliability is not explicitly reported but inferred as moderate to high (r ≈ 0.70–0.85) from similar scales. Convergent validity is supported by correlations with Lawton and Brody’s IADL Scale (r = 0.72), Mental Function Index (r = 0.76), Cognitive Capacity Screening Examination (r = -0.60), and neurologist’s global functional rating (r = 0.83). Factor analysis confirms a unidimensional structure for IADL performance.
Criterion validity is evidenced by sensitivity of 85–92% and specificity of 81–87% for dementia screening (N = 158–195), outperforming the IADL scale in regression analyses. The FAQ distinguishes normal, depressed, and demented groups and detects agitation in dementia (post-MMSE adjustment). Specificity improves when combined with the MMSE (94% sensitivity, 83% specificity). Discriminant validity is shown by lower correlations with Raven’s Matrices (r = 0.41). Pairing with the MMSE or Barthel Index enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
10-Items
Reference
Pfeffer, R. I., Kurosaki, T. T., Harrah Jr, C. H., Chance, J. M., & Filos, S. (1982). Measurement of functional activities in older adults in the community. Journal of gerontology, 37(3), 323-329.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Functional Activities Questionnaire measure?
It measures independence in IADLs for older adults, focusing on dementia screening.
Who is the target population?
Community-dwelling older adults (65+) with normal aging or mild dementia.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 5–10 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it screens for functional decline to guide dementia care planning.
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