measurement and scaling concepts -...

Measurement and Scaling Concepts


Introduction

In any type of research, measurements play a crucial role towards generation of results.Measurements mostly apply to quantitative research. This kind of research encompasses thecollection of data for specific issues. Measurements or scales help in classifying information intodistinct categories. As a result, it becomes easier for the researcher to make an appropriateanalysis. It is this kind of analysis that leads to rational conclusions. The four main types ofscales used in research include ratio, interval, nominal and ordinal levels of measurements.These scales have different characteristics. In this paper, the different scales of measurementswill be analyzed. Additionally, the specific role played by these scales in research will also bediscussed.

Types Of Measurement Scales In Research

Nominal Scale of Measurement

This scale is used to classify information into distinct categories without using any order.Fundamental examples of nominal scale of measurement include attributes like gender, colorand yes on no answers. When data is categorized as male or female, it does not necessarilyimply that males are superior to females. It implies that nominal scales of measurement do notinclude quantifiable items, variables or characteristics. When dealing with nominal scales ofmeasurements, simple values are assigned to specific characteristics. (Creswell, 2009)

For the purposes of the dissertation topic, nominal scale of measurement would apply when

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classifying the gender of research participants. For instance, female respondents would beassigned number 1 while male respondents would be assigned value 2. Such an approachwould help in distinguishing data collected from male and female respondents. Direct questionswith yes or no answers would also be analyzed from the perspective of nominal scale ofmeasurement. (Cozby, 2012)

Ordinal Scale of Measurement

This is another critical scale of measurement in any quantitative research. Essentially, thismethod encompasses ranking information. Some types of data have specific attributes whichmay be classified into distinct ranks. In most cases, the ranks used in ordinal scale ofmeasurement provide clear distinction between the smallest and largest. Essentially, theseranks may also illustrate the minimum and maximum scales. (Creswell, 2009)

A total of five ranks are normally used when classifying data in the ordinal scale ofmeasurement. For the purposes of the dissertation topic, ordinal scales would be used toclassify perceptions of educators towards conflicts in community colleges. A good examplepertains to the investigation of whether community college principles support the establishmentof conflict resolution frameworks. The first scale of measurement would involve principals whostrongly oppose the conflict resolution framework. The second scale would involve principalswho oppose conflict resolution frameworks in community colleges. Principals without anyopinion would form the third scale. (Trochim, 2006)

The fourth scale of ordinal measurement would encompass principals who support mediationprocesses in community colleges. (Trochim, 2006)Finally, the last scale of ordinal measurementwould involve educators who strongly support conflict resolution frameworks in communitycolleges. These examples indicate the five main ranks that would be used in assessingprincipals’ support for conflict resolution frameworks in community colleges. However, thedifferent ranks used in ordinal scales of do not necessarily reflect any measurable distance ordisparities between variables. As a result, this scale of measurement relies heavily onapproximation. (Cozby, 2012)

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Interval Scale of Measurement

Most attributes of interval measurements are similar to ordinal measurements. However,distinction between the two scales results from the specification of distance between ranks ininterval measurements. As the name suggests, regular intervals separate categories or classesfrom one another. While investigating on the implementation of conflict resolution framework incommunity colleges, the interval scale may be used in different ways. Firstly, an interval scalemay be used to rate the effectiveness of conflict resolution in community colleges. A scale of1-10 would be appropriate in measuring these variables. (Cozby, 2012)

A community college whose conflict resolution framework is poorly effective would be assignedone point on the scale. Similarly, a community college whose conflict resolution framework ishighly effective would be assigned a maximum score of ten points on the scale. The gapbetween different categories is quantifiable based on this scale. The interval scale ofmeasurement would thus enhance data collection and analysis during the actual research.(Creswell, 2009)

Ratio Scale of Measurement

A fine line separates the interval and ratio scales of measurement in quantitative research. Theranks used in both scales of measurements are measurable. However, ratio scales are differentin that they provide a predetermined zero spot for all characteristics. This implies that ratioscales facilitate for the inclusion of absent measurements in data collection. (Cozby, 2012)Whileinvestigating on conflict resolution frameworks in community colleges, ratio scales would beused in numerous ways. An example pertains to the investigation of potential interventionframeworks. If there is no need for the development of such a framework, ratio scales would beused. (Trochim, 2006)

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Role Of Scales In Research

The four scales of measurements play different roles in research. To start with, they provide anexcellent framework for classifying data into different categories. Such classification not onlyhelps in data collection but also in data analysis. Essentially, the quality of any research isstrongly influenced by methodologies used. Incorporating these different scales would thereforeenhance the quality of results. (Creswell, 2009)

Without appropriate information, it would be difficult to make appropriate conclusions. From adifferent angle, the different scales of measurements minimize the time spent on research.Through these scales, it takes less time to gather and analyze data. As a result, costs are alsosignificantly minimized. (Creswell, 2009)

Conclusion

The four main types of scales used in research include ratio, interval, nominal and ordinal levelsof measurements. These specific attributes of these scales have been discussed throughout thepaper. Fundamental examples of nominal scale of measurement include attributes like gender,color and yes on no answers. When data is categorized as male or female, it does notnecessarily imply that males are superior to females. Ordinal measurement is a method thatencompasses ranking information. Some types of data have specific attributes which may beclassified into distinct ranks.

In most cases, the ranks used in ordinal scale of measurement provide clear distinction betweenthe smallest and largest. As the name suggests, regular intervals separate categories or classesfrom one another. While investigating on the implementation of conflict resolution framework incommunity colleges, the interval scale may be used in different ways. The different ranks usedin ordinal scales of do not necessarily reflect any measurable distance or disparities between

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variables. As a result, this scale of measurement relies heavily on approximation. On the otherhand ratio scales are different in that they provide a predetermined zero spot for allcharacteristics. They facilitate for the inclusion of absent measurements in data collection.

References

Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodsapproaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Cozby, P. C. (2012). Methods in behavioral research (11th ed.).Boston:McGraw Hill HigherEducation.

Trochim, W. M. & Donnelly, J. P. (2006). Research methods knowledge base,OH: CengageLearning

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