Chapter 5 Conceptualization, Operationalization and Measurement

1. Chapter 5 Conceptualization, Operationalization and Measurement Key Terms

2. ConceptualizationThe mental process whereby fuzzy and imprecise notions (concepts) are made more specific and precise. IndicatorA sign of the presence or absence of the concept we're studying.

3. DimensionA specifiable aspect of a concept. • SpecificationThe process through which concepts are made more specific.

4. Nominal MeasuresA level of measurement describing a variable that has attributes that are merely different, as distinguished from ordinal, interval, or ratio measures. • Ordinal MeasuresA level of measurement describing a variable with attributes we can rank-order along some dimension. An example would be socioeconomic status as composed of the attributes high, medium, low.

5. Interval MeasuresA level of measurement describing a variable whose attributes are rank-ordered and have equal distances between adjacent attributes. • Ratio MeasuresA level of measurement describing a variable with attributes that have all the qualities of nominal, ordinal, and interval measures and in addition are based on a “true zero” point.

6. ReliabilityA matter of whether a particular technique, applied repeatedly to the same object, yields the same result each time. • ValidityThe extent to which an empirical measure adequately reflects the real meaning of the concept under consideration.

7. Face validityThat quality of an indicator that makes it seem a reasonable measure of a variable. Criterion related validityThe degree to which a measure relates to some external criterion. For example, the validity of the College Board is shown in their ability to predict the college success of students.

8. Construct validity The degree to which a measure relates to other variables as expected within a system of theoretical relationships. • Content validityRefers to how much a measure covers the range of meanings included within a concept.