Scales / levels of measurement

Question 1

Define variable
- what does it link?
- why do we create them?
- must it vary by definition?

Answer 1

• links psychology to statistics
• when we try to measure concepts
• otherwise we would call it a constant
  => takes on different quality or quantity

Question 2

Theoretical construct

Answer 2

• what we are trying to take a measurement of
• can’t be directly observed! actually vague
• want to collect data abt it
• abstract

Question 3

Measure

Answer 3

• method or tool to make observations
  eg question (in survey), observation, brain scan
  “the vehicle” to measure/collect data

Question 4

Operationalization

Answer 4

• A process we take so that a meaningful abstract concept can be measurable

Theoretical construct => substantive construct => define and measure it => study variable

Question 5

features of operationalization

Answer 5

• identify and specify the phenomena
• precise definition
• determine what method u will use for measurement
• define set of allowable values the measurement can take

Question 6

Continuous vs discrete variables

Answer 6

• for any 2 variables that you can think of, it’s always logically possible to have another value in between
  => 1, 2 has 1.5, etc…
  measurable
• discrete there is nothing the middle (countable)
  => computers

Question 7

Which levels of measurement are continuous and which are discrete?

Answer 7

continuous: interval and ratio
discrete: ALL