Measurement & Scaling Techniques in Research

8/10/2019 Measurement & Scaling Techniques in Research

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MEASUREMENT ANDSCALING TECHNIQUES IN

RESEARCH

Presented By-Diptesh PatilRoll No. 514014ME(Structural Engg.)

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Guided by-Dr.N.J.Sathe


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Incidentally, only quantitative variables can be measuredwith the help of standard counting devices and qualitative

variables can only be observed , there is no standard device

or instrument to measure them.

For example, in case of human beings, there are certainQuantitative( physical) characteristics like height,

weight etc and there are certain qualitative ( abstract)

characteristics like beauty, attitude, creativity etc.

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Classification or Types of Measurement Scales

All measurement scales can be classified into the following

four categories:

(i) Nominal

(ii) Ordinal(iii) Interval

(iv) Ratio

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In Nominal Scalethe numbers serve only

as labels or tags for identifying andclassifying objects.

The Ordinal Scale is a ranking scale inwhich numbers are assigned to objects toindicate the relative extent to which the

objects possess some characteristic. In Interval Scale numerically equal

distances on the scale represent equalvalues in the characteristic beingmeasured.

The Ratio Scale possesses all theproperties of the nominal, ordinal, andinterval scales. It has an absolute zeropoint

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Sources of Error in Measurement:

Respondent: Reluctance,fatigue,boredometc.

Situation: Any condition which places a strain on

interview can affect interviewers response.

Measurer: Careless mechanical processing, faulty

tabulation or statistical calculations in data-analysis.

Instrument: Defective measuring instrument.

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Meaning of Scaling

Scaling describes the procedures of assigning of

numbers or symbols(i.e., quantitative measures)

to subjective abstract concepts (or properties of

objects)

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Scale Classification Basis:

Scaling procedures may be broadly classified on one

or more of the following bases:

1) Subject Orientation

2) Response Form

3) Degree Of Subjectivity

4) Scale Properties5) Number Of Dimensions

6) Scale Construction Technique

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Subject Orientation:Under it a scale may be designed to measure

characteristics of the respondent who completes it or tojudge the stimulus object which is presented to therespondent.

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Response form:

Under this we may classify the scales as categoricaland comparative. Categorical scales (rating scales) -

These scales are used when a respondent scoressome object without direct reference to other

objects. Under comparative scales, which are also known as

ranking scales, the respondent is asked to comparetwo or more objects.


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Degree of Subjectivity:

With this basis the scale date may be based onwhether we measure subjective personal preferencesor simply make non-preference judgments.

In the former case , the respondent is asked tochoose which person he favours or which solutionhe would like to see employed, whereas in the lattercase he is simply asked to judge which person is

more effective in some aspect or which solution willtake fewer resources without reflecting anypersonal preference.

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Number of Dimensions:

In respect of this basis, scales can be classified as

unidimensionaland multidimensionalscales.

Under the unidimensional scale we measure only

one attribute of the respondent or object, whereas

multidimensional scaling recognizes that an object

might be described better by using the concept ofan attribute space of n dimensions, rather than a

single-dimension continuum.

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Scale Construction Techniques:Following are the five main techniques by

which scales can be developed-

Arbitrary approach-Scale is developed on ad hoc basis.

Consensus approach-Panel of judges evaluate the items

chosen for inclusion in the instrument Item analysis approach-Individual items are analysed

from a test given to group of respondent.

Cumulative scales-Chosen on the basis of their

conforming to some ranking of items with ascending anddescending discriminating power.

Factor scales- Common factor accounts for therelationship between items.

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Important Scaling Techniques:

The important scaling techniques often used in the

context of research specially in context of social or

business research are as follows:

Rating Scales

Ranking Scales

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Rating Scales:

The rating scale involves qualitative description of alimited number of aspects of a thing or of traits of a

person.

These ratings may be in such forms as like-dislike,

above average, average, below average etc.

There is no specific rule whether to use a two-pointsscale, three-point scale or scale with still more points.

In practice, three to seven points scales are generally used

for the simple reason that more points on a scale providean opportunity for greater sensitivity of measurement.

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Ranking Scales:

There are two generally used approaches of rankingscales viz.,

Method of paired comparisons-Under it the

respondent can express his attitude by making a

choice between two objects, say between a new

flavour of soft drinks and an established brand of

drink.

Method of rank order-Respondents are asked torank their choices. This method is easier and faster

than the method of paired comparisons.

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Thank you..

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Measurement & Scaling Techniques in Research