Measurement perspective, process, and the pandemic

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Science
• Scientific Methodology
• Measurement Theory

Background:

• Scientific practice relies on measurement for information gathering and physical interaction.
• Existing measurement accounts may not adequately address complex interventions, conflicting results, or limited theoretical frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a methodological account of perspectival measurement applicable to situations with limited theory.
• To offer a prescription for developing measurement processes in theory-limited empirical practice.
• To explore the intersection of representation and intervention in scientific practice.

Main Methods:

• Adopting a process-view of measurement inspired by van Fraassen's (2008) work.
• Applying the methodological account to the measurement of SARS-CoV-2 replication in the context of COVID-19.
• Analyzing measurement processes through key elements: manipulation/intervention, independence, invariance, and theory-development.

Main Results:

• The proposed account effectively organizes unfolding measurement processes.
• It tracks crucial elements like intervention, independence, invariance, and theory development.
• The framework provides prescriptive suggestions for measurement practices in complex scientific contexts.

Conclusions:

• The methodological account offers a valuable tool for scientists and philosophers of science.
• It enhances understanding of measurement in theory-limited empirical research.
• The approach is particularly relevant for interdisciplinary research, including pandemic-related studies.