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Measurement and Scaling

Techniques

Scaling Techniques

Measurement in Research

the process of assigning numbers to objects or observations, the level of measurement being a function of the rules under which the numbers are assigned.

Measurement Scales

Nominal Scale: is simply a system of assigning number symbols to events in order to label them.

Ordinal scale:places events in order, but there is no attempt to make the intervals of the scale

equal in terms of some rule.

Interval scale: the intervals are adjusted in terms of some rule that has been established as a basis for making the units equal.

Ratio scale: Ratio scales have an absolute or true zero of measurement.

Sources of Error in Measurement

Respondent: the respondent may be reluctant to express strong negative feelings or may have very little knowledge but may not admit his ignorance.

Situation: Situational factors may also come in the way of correct measurement.

Measurer: The interviewer can distort responses by rewording or reordering questions. His

behaviour, style and looks may encourage or discourage certain replies from respondents.

Instrument: Error may arise because of the defective measuring instrument.

Important Scaling Techniques

Test of Sound Measurement

Test Of Reliability: a measuring instrument is reliable if it provides consistent results

Test of Practicality: a measuring instrument can be judged in terms of economy, convenience and interpretability

Test Of Validity: indicates the degree to which an instrument measures what

it is supposed to measure

Scaling

when the concepts to be measured are complex and abstract and we do not possess the standardised measurement tools (people's attitude for example) we use scaling.

Scaling describes the procedures of assigning numbers to various degrees of opinion, attitude and other concepts.

Rating Scales

The rating scale involves qualitative description of a limited number of aspects of a thing or of traits of a person.

1. Graphic rating scale

2. itemized rating scale (also known as numerical scale)

Rating scales (or comparative scales) are:

a. Method of paired comparisons:

b.Method of rank order