6.7: Summary

Research studies are often based on attempting to measure abstract types of information that cannot be directly observed. To measure these abstract types of information, researchers develop indirect methods for observing the information. This development follows a process of conceptualization where the researcher assesses, based on their own professional opinions and established research, what behaviors or indications are associated with the measure, developing broad categories known as dimensions and specific indications known as indicators. Once conceptualization has been completed, the measurement system is made practical through the process of operationalization within which the researcher decides exactly how the concept will be measured and what type of data will result. Once the measure has been operationalized, a researcher must verify that the measure is valid and measures the concept that it is supposed to measure, and that it is reliable—the measure does not vary to a great degree when repeatedly measuring the same subject or individual. Because of the difficulties in establishing a new measurement system, many researchers take advantage of standard ones that have been established by other researchers. This ensures that the measurement system has been thoroughly researched and, in many cases, has been used in many other studies by the research community.

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