Measurement

Citation: Huitt, W. (1999, October). Measurement. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta State University. Retrieved [date], from http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/measeval/measure.html

Thondike and Hagen (1986) define measurement as "the process of quantifying observations [or descriptions] about a quality or attribute of a thing or person" (p.5).

The process of measurement involves three steps:

1. identifying and defining the quality or attribute that is to be measured;
2. determining a set of operations by which the attribute may be made manifest and percievable; and
3. establishing a set of procedures or definitions for translating observations into quantitative statements of degree or amount. (p. 9)

Methods of data collection

Data are generally collected through one or more of the following methods:

1. Paper/pencil--Collection of data through self-reports, interviews, questionnaires, tests or other instruments
2. Systematic observation--Researcher looks for specific actions or activities, but is not involved in the actions being observed
3. Participant observation--Researcher is actively involved in the process being described and writes up observations at a later time
4. Clinical--Data are collected by specialists in the process of treatment

References:

• Thorndike, R., & Hagen, E. (1986). Measurement and evaluation in psychology and education (4th ed.). New York: Wiley.

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