Turning social phenomena into data: measurement instruments for the social sciences

What do we mean by “measurement instruments” in the social sciences? Empirical social science is built on data, for example self-reports. This kind of data is assessed through measurement instruments that aim to reflect the reality, or the so-called “true score”. The better an instrument, the better the representation of reality. In order to get credible data and results in empirical social sciences, we need to rely on high-quality measures. What are examples of social surveys for the general population? There are numerous national and international comparative surveys, and they all aim to best represent their target populations. Some surveys focus on specific target groups – for example immigrants, employees, etc. – some are social surveys for the general population. Typical population surveys are political polls that are used to predict an election outcome Typical and well-perceived surveys are political polls that are used to predict an election outcome. Also PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) the student skills survey carried out by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is highly known. As can be seen by these two examples, results of surveys are used not only by researchers but also by political stake-holders, for instance, to improve the educational system in a country. What are the challenges in this kind of measurement? Phenomena like political opinions or cognitive skills, the so-called constructs, are difficu...
Source: BioMed Central Blog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Open Access Publishing psychology Science:Social Source Type: blogs