Chapter 12 & 13 - Measurement of Variables Flashcards
(86 cards)
Four levels of measurement
Nominal
Ordinal
Interval
Ratio
Categorical levels of measurement
Nominal
Ordinal
Continuous levels of measurement
Interval
Ratio
Nominal level of measurement
Identification; classification
Ordinal level of measurement
Ranking of categories, but not equidistant (at equal distances)
Interval level of measurement
- Equidistant (at equal distances) ranking, but zero point not fixed
- Likert-type scales: Ordinal or interval?
Ratio level of measurement
Possesses a unique origin (zero point)
Rating Scale Formats
– Dichotomous/binary scale
– Category scale
– Semantic differential scale
– Numerical scale
– Itemized rating scale
– Likert-type scale
– Fixed or constant sum scale
– Stapel scale
– Consensus scale
– Graphic rating scale
– Paired comparison scale
– Forced choice scale
– Comparative scale
Dichotomous/binary scale rating scale example
Yes vs. No
Category scale rating scale example
English; French; Other
Semantic differential scale rating scale example
Good —– Bad; Emotionally stable —– Neurotic
Numerical scale rating scale example
Responsive 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Unresponsive
Itemized rating scale rating scale example
Can be balanced or unbalanced; forced or unforced
Likert-type scale rating scale example
Fixed or constant sum scale rating scale example
distributing 100 points across several items (need to add
up to 100)
Stapel scale rating scale example
-3 -2 -1 Interpersonal skills +1 +2 +3
Consensus scale rating scale example
Developed by consensus by a panel of judges
Graphic rating scale rating scale example
Paired comparison scale rating scale example
Respondents asked to choose between two objects at a time
(among a small number of objects)
Forced choice scale rating scale example
Ranking objects among the provided alternatives
Comparative scale rating scale example
Provides a point of reference to assess attitudes toward a
particular object/event/situation
Response-scale format considerations
– Measurement scale (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio)
– Number of scale points/categories
* Need to be mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive
– Balanced or unbalanced scales
* Equal # of favourable & unfavourable categories?
– Forced or non-forced choice
* “Neutral” category
* Odd or even number of categories
– Category labels for scales (anchors)
* Verbal; numerical; unlabeled (e.g., graphic)
– Number of items in a scale
Operationalization of variables
Breaking an abstract construct down to its measureable or
tangible components
* Can tap into a construct by looking at the behavioural dimensions, facets, and properties denoted by the construct and translating them into observable/measurable elements
Delineating the antecedents, consequences, or correlates of the construct is not _______________
operationalization