Measurement

Question 1

Construct

Answer 1

The theoretical concept that should be assessed (e.g. job satisfaction)

Question 2

Item

Answer 2

A purposeful operationalization of a construct, typically a question/ a
statement (survey; e.g., “Overall, I am satisfied with my job.”) or a
proxy/indicator (administrative data; e.g., turnover).

Question 3

Scale

Answer 3

Separation of units with respect to attributes or traits (e.g., according to magnitude, frequency, intensity).

Question 4

Measurement

Answer 4

The actual assessment / a score on a scale

Question 5

Instrument

Answer 5

Includes one or more items on harmonized scales for assessing a construct

Question 6

Manifest variables

Answer 6

Characteristics are directly
observable or easily ascertainable and the theoretical meaning is clear and known. Manifest variables are mainly
assessed with a single indicator.
* Age
* Number of employees
* Time in office

Question 7

Latent variables

Answer 7

Characteristics are not directly
observable, and the theoretical
meaning needs to be explained.

Latent variables are theoretical
constructs and mainly assessed
with multiple items.
* Cultural values
* Policy alienation
* Job motivation