Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
09:36
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
28.0K
Reliability Concerns in Measuring Respondent Skin Tone by Interviewer Observation
1L ance H annon and R obert D e F ina are professors in the Sociology and Criminology Department at Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA.
Public Opinion Quarterly
|June 9, 2016
Summary
The Massey-Martin scale, used in social surveys, shows low intercoder reliability. This skin tone measurement instrument requires re-evaluation for accurate social science research.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Psychometrics
- Survey Methodology
Background:
- The Massey-Martin scale is a key instrument for measuring skin tone in social surveys.
- Despite its use in high-profile studies, the scale lacks psychometric evaluation.
- Skin tone measurement is crucial for understanding social attitudes and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the intercoder reliability of the Massey-Martin skin tone measurement scale.
- To provide a psychometric evaluation of a widely used social science instrument.
- To determine the consistency of skin tone observations using the Massey-Martin scale.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the General Social Survey (GSS) panel (2010-2014).
- Analyzed skin tone observations of the same respondents by interviewers in two different years (2012 and 2014).
- Examined intercoder reliability of the Massey-Martin scale using longitudinal survey data.
Main Results:
- The Massey-Martin scale demonstrated low intercoder reliability.
- Skin tone observations by different interviewers showed significant inconsistency.
- The psychometric evaluation indicates potential issues with the scale's measurement accuracy.
Conclusions:
- The Massey-Martin scale's low reliability raises concerns for its use in social research.
- Researchers should exercise caution when interpreting findings based on this skin tone measure.
- Further development or alternative methods for skin tone measurement are recommended for survey practitioners.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
4.1K
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
4.1K
01:30Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
1.9K
A thorough assessment of respiratory health is paramount in clinical settings to identify and manage respiratory distress and ensure adequate oxygenation. This article elaborates on the critical aspects of respiratory evaluation, including airway assessment, skin color examination, and the observation of accessory muscle use, which are integral to effectively diagnosing and managing patients with respiratory conditions.
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
1.9K
02:30Naturalistic Observations
17.9K
If you want to understand how behavior occurs, one of the best ways to gain information is to simply observe the behavior in its natural context. However, people might change their behavior in unexpected ways if they know they are being observed. How do researchers obtain accurate information when people tend to hide their natural behavior? As an example, imagine that your professor asks everyone in your class to raise their hand if they always wash their hands after using the restroom. Chances...
17.9K
01:29Reliability and Validity
14.3K
Reliability and validity are two important considerations that must be made with any type of data collection. Reliability refers to the ability to consistently produce a given result. In the context of psychological research, this would mean that any instruments or tools used to collect data do so in consistent, reproducible ways.
14.3K
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
3.9K
A thermometer measures body temperature. The common sites for measuring body temperature are the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin surface, such as the forehead, abdomen, and axilla. True core body temperature is assessed in the rectum, tympanic membrane, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and urinary bladder.
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
3.9K
01:13Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature
2.0K
Body temperature can be assessed using various devices and measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
2.0K