Operationalisation Flashcards
Measurements, sampling, index, scales and times
What is the process of operationalisation?
Is the process of taking the theory and its variables to be studied in the empirical world.
Making variables measurable
Operationalisation in 3 steps
- Definition
- Indicators (what)
- Items (how)
Types of measurements
(NOR)
Nominal: items aren’t based in any particular order
Ordinal: items are measured/placed in the order in which they differ
Ratio: items are based on fixed intervals.
What are samples?
A part representing the population which will be studied.
What is probability sampling?
The type of sampling in which no criteria are followed so units are chosen based on probability
What is non-probability sampling?
The type of sampling in which criteria are followed to purposively select units within the population.
Types of probability sampling
Random: units are picked at random
Stratified: researchers divide subjects into subgroups called strata based on characteristics that they share
Stepwise: sampling in steps
Types of non-probability sampling
Self-Selection: units decide themselves where to be included
Snowball: recruitment by asking previous units
Quotum: a certain group is selected/represented
What is an index?
The sum of all variables logically connected
What is a scale?
The sum of variables empirically connected
Pre/Post Test
Measuring before and after the stimulus
Panel
Same units being measured at different intervals
Cross-Sectional
“Measuring” people over time
Cohort
Group sharing characteristics being measured at different moments in time
Trend
Different units but same moment in time (voting people at 21 in different elections)
