Understanding Measurement: Bridging Abstract Concepts to Quantifiable Variables
This overview explores the measurement process in research, focusing on the creation of measurable variables from abstract concepts. It distinguishes between quantitative and qualitative research, highlighting differences in data collection, timing, and methodology. Key steps in measurement include conceptual definition, operationalization, and ensuring reliability and validity. The text discusses various types of reliability and validity, including internal and external validity, and outlines common scales used in quantitative research, such as Likert and Guttman scales. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurate research outcomes.
Understanding Measurement: Bridging Abstract Concepts to Quantifiable Variables
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Presentation Transcript
Measurement Neuman and Robson Ch. 6
What is it? • The process of creating measurable concrete variables from abstract concepts • Extends the senses (empirical) • Tends to be more of a concern for quantitative researchers
Quantitative vs. QualitativeMeasurement Differences • Timing • Type of data collected • Linkage of concepts to data (pre-planned vs. reflective/interactive)
The Measurement Process • Quantitative = deductive • Qualitative = inductive • Both involve conceptualization and operationalization
Steps • identify concept of interest • develop conceptual definition • decide on units of analysis • operationalize to create a variable • links concept to measurement technique
Process of Qualitative Operationalization: Empirical Observations Working Ideas Concepts Generalizations/Theories
Reliability and Validity • Reliability = the consistency or dependency of a measure • Does the measure consistently give the same results? • Validity = truthfulness of a measure • Is it measuring what the researcher thinks it is measuring?
Types of Reliability • inter-observer • inter-item • test-retest • parallel forms
Improving Reliability • Clear conceptualization • Use of most precise (or highest) level of measurement possible • Use of multiple indicators • Use of pretests, pilot studies, replication
Validity • face validity • content validity • criterion validity • Predictive validity • Concurrent validity
Internal and External Validity • Internal Validity • Can alternative explanations for change in the dependent variable be eliminated? • External Validity • Generalizability • Statistical Validity • Was the correct test used?
Quantitative Variable Construction: • a) Continuous vs. Discrete categories • b) Levels of measurement: • nominal • ordinal • interval/ratio
Scale or Index Construction • Composite Measures • Index vs. Scales • Mutually exclusive and exhaustive attributes • Unidimensionality • Reproducibility
Common Scales and Indexes • Likert Scale • Bogardus Social Distance Scale • Semantic Differential • Guttman Scale • Click Here for more detail on measurement.