Assignment Task:
Measurement of Conceptual Variables
Last week, you learned about the importance of operationally defining variables to support the construct validity and internal validity of a study. Operational definitions are also important as you consider how to measure variables. For example, you will need to operationally define conceptual variables of interest (e.g., self-esteem, satisfaction, anxiety) before you can measure the concepts. When the measure accurately assesses the conceptual variable, it is said to have face validity. Operationalizing variables is also important to the measurement concept of reliability, which is the consistency or stability of a measure (e.g., test and retest to achieve similar results).
In this Discussion, you will gain experience writing items to create a rating scale for a conceptual variable of your choice, which you will administer to friends/family. Based on the responses you obtain, you will consider the validity and reliability of your scale. Need Assignment Help?
Readings:
Review previous chapters if you need to (e.g., Chapter 4 on variables and operational definitions)
- Cozby, P. C., & Bates, S. C. (2024). Methods in behavioral research (15th ed.). McGraw Hill.
- Chapter 5, "Measurement Concepts"
- Chapter 7, "Asking People About Themselves: Survey Research"
- Rosenberg, M. (1965). Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES)
Media:
ShortCutsTV (Producer). (2018). Reliability & validity
Alexander Street.
To prepare:
Read Chapter 5 and the indicated sections of Chapter 7 (focusing on the sections Constructing Questions to Ask, Responses to Questions, and Rating Scales).
Recall what you learned in this week's Learning Activity about creating rating scales with numeric values, and review the example scale in the Learning Resources. Note that your own rating scale may differ from the examples depending on the requirements for measuring the conceptual variable you select.
Identify a conceptual variable that is of interest to you. A few examples are social identity, risk-taking behavior, job satisfaction, employee engagement, environmental awareness. Once you have decided on a conceptual variable, develop an operational definition for the variable.
Create your own five- to 10-item rating scale with numerical values to assess the conceptual variable you defined.
Before writing the items, consider the wording of statements and possible related issues (e.g., double-barred statements, loaded statements, "yea-saying" and "naysaying," etc.).
Be sure to fully develop your rating scale to include instructions for your participants. Note: For the version of the scale you will provide in your post, include coding instructions for the administrator (e.g., reverse-score certain items).
Administer the scale to at least three friends or family members. You may administer it in person or via email.
Analyze the responses you obtained (i.e., what do responses reveal related to your conceptual variable?).
Reflect on the possible strengths and limitations related to the measurement reliability and validity of your scale.
Prepare to upload the scale you created as an attached document (in Word or RTF format) to your Discussion post.
Post a response to the following.
Include the conceptual variable in the first line of your post (e.g., "Job Satisfaction").
Then:
Provide the operational definition you created for your conceptual variable.
Explain your experience writing the scale (noting at least one challenge) and administering the scale.
Provide your analysis of the responses you obtained as it relates to your conceptual variable. Do not include your participants' actual responses.
Assess the strengths and limitations of your scale's reliability and validity, describing what you might do differently (if anything) in a revision.
Attach the five- to 10-item scale with numerical values to measure a conceptual variable that you developed (either a Word or RTF file).
Note: Your initial response should be supported with scholarly evidence from your research and/or the Learning Resources and properly cited in APA format. You may state your opinion and/or provide personal examples; however, you must also back up your assertions with evidence, including in-text citation(s) and reference(s) in APA style. It is recommended that you review the Grading Rubric with the criteria that will be used to evaluate your Discussion prior to your submission.
Respond to at least one colleague's original post in one or more of the ways listed below.
Ask a probing question about their experience developing or administering the scale and provide the foundation, or a rationale, for the question.
Offer an alternative way that the variables of interest in their proposed study could be operationally defined.
Support or offer a different perspective to a colleague's explanation of the strengths and limitations concerning the reliability and/or validity of their scale.
Note: Your response to your colleague should be substantive and supported with scholarly evidence from your research and/or the Learning Resources and properly cited in APA format. Personal anecdotes are acceptable within meaningful responses but cannot stand alone as a response. Responses should enrich the initial post by supporting and/or adding a fresh viewpoint and be constructive, enhancing the learning for all students.