Concepts of

Measurement
Measurement Theory
Concepts
Directness of Measurement
 Direct measurement

• Oxygen saturation, Temperature,

weight
 Indirect measurement
• Pain, depression, coping, self-
care, self-esteem
Multiple Measures of
Abstract Concept
Rating
Scale
Observation
Likert
Pain
Scale
Physiologic
Measures
 Measurement Theory
Concepts
 Measurement Error
 Systematic error – an error that is not
random but occurs consistently such as a weighing
scale that inaccurately weighs subjects 3 pounds
heavier than they are
 Random error – an error that cause
individuals’ observed scores to vary haphazardly
around their true scores.
Levels of
Measurement
Nominal
Ordinal
Interval
Ratio
 Gender
1 = Male
2 = Female
Likert Scale
 How often do you feel in control of
your life?
 (1) Never

 (2) Seldom

 (3) Often

 (4) Almost always

Age
How old are you? _______ years

What LOM? ___________

Age
 How old are you?
 25-34

 35-44

 45-54

 55 or older

 What LOM? __________

Income
 1 = under $35,000
 2 = $35-50,000
 3 = $50 - 100,000

 LOM? _________
 Reference of
Measurement

Norm-Referenced Testing:
Test performance standards that
have been carefully developed over
years with large, representative
samples using a standardized test
with extensive reliability and validity.
 Reference of
Measurement

 Criterion-Referenced Testing:
Comparison of a subject’s score with a
criterion of achievement that includes
the definition of target behaviors. When
behaviors are mastered, the subject is
considered proficient in the behaviors.
What is reliability?
 Reliability is concerned with
how consistently the
measurement technique
measures the concept of
interest.
Types of Reliability
Stability -- is concerned
with the consistency of
repeated measures or
test-retest reliability
Types of Reliability
 Equivalence--is focused on
comparing two versions of the
same instrument (alternate forms
reliability) or two observers
(interrater reliability) measuring
the same event.
Types of Reliability
 Homogeneity--addresses the
correlation of various items
within the instrument or internal
consistency; determined by
split-half reliability or
Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.
Inter-rater reliability
 Consistency in raters
 % = # behaviors
performed/ total # of
behaviors
What is validity?
The extent to which an
instrument reflects the
concept being examined.