Resaerch Methods Measurement Scalesppt

MEASUREMENT SCALES
The most widely used classification of

measurement scales are:
(a) nominal scale; (b) ordinal scale;
(c) interval scale; and (d) ratio scale.
(a) Nominal scale: Nominal scale is simply a system
of assigning number symbols to events in order to
label them.
The usual example of this is the assignment of

numbers of basketball players in order to identify
them. Such numbers cannot be considered to be
associated with an ordered scale for their order is of
no consequence; the numbers are just convenient
labels for the particular class of events and as such
have no quantitative value
Nominal scales provide convenient ways of keeping
track of people, objects and events. One cannot do
much with the numbers involved.
For example,
one cannot usefully average the numbers on the back
of a group of football players and come up with
a meaningful value. Neither can one usefully compare
the numbers assigned to one group with the
numbers assigned to another
Nominal scale is the least powerful level of
measurement. It indicates no order or distance
relationship and has no arithmetic origin. A nominal
scale simply describes differences between things by
assigning them to categories. Nominal data are, thus,
counted data
(b) Ordinal scale: The lowest level of the ordered
scale that is commonly used is the ordinal scale.
The ordinal scale places events in order, but there is

no attempt to make the intervals of the scale
equal in terms of some rule.
Rank orders represent ordinal scales and are

frequently used in research relating to qualitative
phenomena.
A student’s rank in his graduation class involves the
use of an ordinal scale. One has to be very careful in
making statement about scores based on ordinal
scales.
For instance, if Ram’s position in his class is 10 and
Mohan’s position is 40, it cannot be said that
Ram’s position is four times as good as that of
Mohan
Ordinal scales only permit the ranking of items from
highest to lowest.
Ordinal measures have no absolute values, and the

real differences between adjacent ranks may not be
equal.
All that can be said is that one person is higher or

lower on the scale than another, but more precise
comparisons cannot be made.
Thus, the use of an ordinal scale implies a statement
of ‘greater than’ or ‘less than’ (an equality
statement is also acceptable) without our being able
to state how much greater or less
(c) Interval scale: In the case of interval scale, the
intervals are adjusted in terms of some rule that
has been established as a basis for making the units
equal.
The units are equal only in so far as one accepts the

assumptions on which the rule is based. Interval
scales can have an arbitrary zero, but it is not
possible to determine for them what may be called
an absolute zero or the unique origin
The Fahrenheit scale is an example of an interval scale
and shows similarities in what one can and cannot do
with it.
One can say that an increase in temperature from 30°

to 40° involves the same increase in temperature as an
increase from 60° to 70°, but one cannot say that the
temperature of 60° is twice as warm as the temperature
of 30° because both numbers are dependent on the fact
that the zero on the scale is set arbitrarily at
the temperature of the freezing point of water. The
ratio of the two temperatures, 30° and 60°,
means nothing because zero is an arbitrary point.
Ratio scale: Ratio scales have an absolute or true
zero of measurement. The term ‘absolute
zero’ is not as precise as it was once believed to
be.
We can conceive of an absolute zero of length

and similarly we can conceive of an absolute zero
of time.
For example, the zero point on a centimeter
scale indicates the complete absence of length or
height. But an absolute zero of temperature is
theoretically unobtainable and it remains a concept
existing only in the scientist’s mind.
Ratio scale represents the actual amounts of
variables. Measures of physical dimensions such as
weight, height, distance, etc. are examples
Thus, proceeding from the nominal scale (the least
precise type of scale) to ratio scale (the most
precise), relevant information is obtained
increasingly.
If the nature of the variables permits, the

researcher should use the scale that provides the most
precise description.
Researchers in physical sciences have the advantage
to describe variables in ratio scale form but the
behavioral sciences are generally limited to describe
variables in interval scale form, a less precise type of
measurement.
Tests of Sound Measurement
Sound measurement must meet the tests of validity,
reliability and practicality.
In fact, these are the three major considerations one

should use in evaluating a measurement tool.
“Validity refers to the extent to which a test measures
what we actually wish to measure
Reliability has to do with the accuracy and precision
of a measurement procedure ...
Practicality is concerned with a wide range

of factors of economy, convenience, and
interpretability
.
1. Test of Validity*
Validity is the most critical criterion and indicates the
degree to which an instrument measures what
it is supposed to measure.
Validity can also be thought of as utility. In other

words, validity is the extent to which differences
found with a measuring instrument reflect true
differences among those being tested.
one can certainly consider three types of
validity in this connection:
(i) Content validity; (ii) Criterion-related validity and

(iii) Construct validity
(i) Content validity is the extent to which a measuring
instrument provides adequate coverage of
the topic under study.
If the instrument contains a representative sample of

the universe, the content validity is good.
Its determination is primarily judgmental and

intuitive.
It can also be determined by using a panel of persons
who shall judge how well the measuring instrument
meets the standards, but there is no numerical way to
express it.
(ii) Criterion-related validity relates to our ability to
predict some outcome or estimate the existence
of some current condition.
This form of validity reflects the success of measures

used for some empirical estimating purpose.
Relevance: (A criterion is relevant if it is defined in
terms we judge to be the proper measure.)
Freedom from bias: (Freedom from bias is attained
when the criterion gives each subject an equal
opportunity to score well.)
(iii) Construct validity is the most complex and
abstract.
A measure is said to possess construct

validity to the degree that it confirms to predicted
correlations with other theoretical propositions.
Construct validity is the degree to which scores on a

test can be accounted for by the explanatory
constructs of a sound theory.
If the above stated criteria and tests are met with, we
may state that our measuring instrument
is valid and will result in correct measurement;
otherwise we shall have to look for more information
and/or resort to exercise of judgment
2. Test of Reliability
The test of reliability is another important test of
sound measurement. A measuring instrument is
reliable if it provides consistent results.
Reliable measuring instrument does contribute to

validity, but a reliable instrument need not be a valid
instrument.
., a valid instrument is always reliable. Accordingly
reliability is not as valuable as validity, but it is easier
to assess reliability in comparison to validity.
3. Test of Practicality
The practicality characteristic of a measuring
instrument can be judged in terms of economy,
convenience and interpretability.
From the operational point of view, the measuring

instrument ought to be practical i.e., it should be
economical, convenient and interpretable

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MEASUREMENT SCALES

The most widely used classification of

The usual example of this is the assignment of

The ordinal scale places events in order, but there is

Rank orders represent ordinal scales and are

Ordinal measures have no absolute values, and the

All that can be said is that one person is higher or

The units are equal only in so far as one accepts the

One can say that an increase in temperature from 30°

We can conceive of an absolute zero of length

If the nature of the variables permits, the

In fact, these are the three major considerations one

Practicality is concerned with a wide range

Validity can also be thought of as utility. In other

(i) Content validity; (ii) Criterion-related validity and

If the instrument contains a representative sample of

Its determination is primarily judgmental and

This form of validity reflects the success of measures

A measure is said to possess construct

Construct validity is the degree to which scores on a

Reliable measuring instrument does contribute to

From the operational point of view, the measuring

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