Chapter Five. Conceptualization, Operationalization, and Measurement
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| CONCEPTUALIZATION
Indicators and Dimensions The Interchangeability of Indicators Real, Nominal, and Operational Definitions Creating Conceptual Order An Example of Conceptualization: The Concept of Anomie |
Enhancement Module: Levels of Measurement
Enhancement Module: Validity and Reliability |
DEFINITIONS IN DESCRIPTIVE AND EXPLANATORY
STUDIES
OPERATIONALIZATION CHOICES
Range of Variation
Variations Between the Extremes
A Note on Dimensions
Defining Variables and Attributes
Levels of Measurement
Single or Multiple Indicators
Some Illustrations of Operationalization Choices
Operationalization Goes On and On
CRITERIA OF MEASUREMENT QUALITY
Precision and Accuracy
Reliability
Validity
Who Decides What’s Valid?
Tension Between Reliability and Validity