Chapter 5: CONCEPT EXPLICATION AND MEASUREMENT

Question 1

Concept

Answer 1

represents the focus of study in research

the “what” (characteristics)

ex: media use

Question 2

Conceptual Definition

Answer 2

abstract description of the meaning of the concept

Ex: Media use consists of how frequently people watch television, read the newspaper, and visit web pages

Question 3

Operational Definition

Answer 3

Specifies how the concept and its dimensions will be measured by specifying the indicators (items) that will be used

Ex: How many hours per day do you spend on social media?

Question 4

Indicator (items)

Answer 4

the exact pieces of information specified by the operational definition that the researcher uses to observe the presence or absence of the concept

Ex: height measured by a tape measure

Question 5

Attribute

Answer 5

refers to traits or qualities associated with a person or thing

ex: hair color

Question 6

Dimension

Answer 6

subsets or smaller parts of a concept

ex: media use: how frequently people watch tv, read newspaper, & visit websites
–> 1) frequency of of use for tv, newspapers, and websites

Question 7

Factor Analysis

Answer 7

a statistical procedure that allows researchers to look at all indicators used, and determine if they are effective or not (can they be grouped together?)

hidden patterns or similarities

Question 8

confirmatory factor analysis.

Answer 8

researchers simultaneously evaluate each of the indicators for a concept to be sure they measure the intended dimension

ex: telling the data analytics program which questionnaire items you think go into which factor.

Question 9

exploratory factor analysis

Answer 9

used when researcher has a less clear understanding of whether indicators will work and which ones will fit under which dimensions

ex: find these hidden patterns in the data: one by letting the results tell you

Question 10

Index

Answer 10

combines information from multiple questions, observations, or other measures to form a single variable that better captures the underlying concept that researchers hope to measure.

ex: (ATG-T): Individual attractions to the group task
-I’m not happy with the amount of playing time I get
-Im unhappy with my teams level of desire to win
-I do not like the style of play on this team

Question 11

Random Error

Answer 11

unpredictable differences between true and measured values

Ex: Variations in weight readings due to slight shifts in body position when stepping on the scale

Question 12

Systematic Error

Answer 12

Consistent biases in measurement methods

ex: Using a thermometer that’s not calibrated properly