Criminal Justice Research 6216 Application: Measuring Variables Measurement is one of the foundational aspects of science and knowledge. It allows researchers, once they have defined and conceptualized their variables, to measure (not just observe) them in order to conduct analysis. How well variables (i.e., phenomena) are defined and measured affects what can be known about them and the overall validity of that research as a whole. Judgments about evidence to support a particular intervention are not just about the demonstration of successful outcomes but also entail considerations about the quality of the measures of these outcomes. Measurement scales are distinguished by their level: nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio. A variable can have any of these levels. For example, a variable that has a nominal-level measurement scale is commonly referred to as a nominal-level variable or, simply, a nominal variable. There are many factors to consider when choosing a particular level of measurement and so it is important to make sure you are using the correct level of measurement when conducting a research study. The measurement chosen can support whether your study is valid and reliable. For this Application Assignment, consider the differences between measurement and observation. Then think about the differences between and among nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio levels of measurement and why it is important to know the level(s) of measurement in a study. Finally, consider how you might improve the validity and reliability of variable conceptualization and measurement. The assignment (2 – 3 pages): Explain differences between measurement and observation. Explain differences between the four levels of measurement: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio. Explain why it is important to know the level(s) of measurement for variables in a study. Describe two techniques that may be used to improve the validity and reliability of variable measurement. .

1. Criminal Justice Research 6216
Application: Measuring Variables
Measurement is one of the foundational aspects of science and
knowledge. It allows researchers, once they have defined and
conceptualized their variables, to measure (not just observe)
them in order to conduct analysis. How well variables (i.e.,
phenomena) are defined and measured affects what can be
known about them and the overall validity of that research as a
whole. Judgments about evidence to support a particular
intervention are not just about the demonstration of successful
outcomes but also entail considerations about the quality of the
measures of these outcomes.
Measurement scales are distinguished by their level: nominal,
ordinal, interval, or ratio. A variable can have any of these
levels. For example, a variable that has a nominal-level
measurement scale is commonly referred to as a nominal-level
variable or, simply, a nominal variable. There are many factors
to consider when choosing a particular level of measurement
and so it is important to make sure you are using the correct
level of measurement when conducting a research study. The
measurement chosen can support whether your study is valid
and reliable.
For this Application Assignment, consider the differences
between measurement and observation. Then think about the
differences between and among nominal, ordinal, interval, and
ratio levels of measurement and why it is important to know the
level(s) of measurement in a study. Finally, consider how you
might improve the validity and reliability of variable
conceptualization and measurement.
The assignment (2
–
3 pages):
Explain differences between measurement and observation.

2. Explain differences between the four levels of measurement:
nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio.
Explain why it is important to know the level(s) of measurement
for variables in a study.
Describe two techniques that may be used to improve the
validity and reliability of variable measurement.