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Measurement: Standard Units

Measurement: Standard Units

Every measurement provides three kinds of information: the size or magnitude of the measurement (a number), a standard of comparison for the measurement (a unit), and an indication of the uncertainty of the measurement. While the number and unit are explicitly represented when a quantity is written, the uncertainty is an aspect of the errors in the measurement results.

Measurement: Derived Units

Measurement: Derived Units

The International System of Units or SI system, by international agreement, has fixed measurement units for seven fundamental properties: length, mass, time, temperature, electric current, amount of substance, and luminosity. These are called the SI base units.

Uncertainty in Measurement: Reading Instruments

Uncertainty in Measurement: Reading Instruments

Counting is the type of measurement that is free from uncertainty, provided the number of objects being counted does not change during the process. Such measurements result in exact numbers. By counting the eggs in a carton, for instance, one can determine exactly how many eggs are there in the carton. Similarly, the numbers of defined quantities are also exact. For example, 1 foot is exactly 12 inches, 1 inch is exactly 2.54 centimeters, and 1 gram is exactly 0.001 kilograms. Quantities...

Units and Standards of Measurement

Units and Standards of Measurement

A physical quantity is defined either by specifying its measurement method or by stating how it is calculated from other measurements. For example, consider a metallic cube. We might define its mass and dimensions by specifying methods for measuring them, such as using a weighing machine and a meter scale. Then, we could define the volume by stating that it is the cube of its side, and we could calculate the density as the mass divided by the volume.
Measurements of physical quantities are...

Units of Measurement

Units of Measurement

Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest branches of engineering. It deals with designing, analyzing, and manufacturing machines and mechanical systems. To ensure precise and accurate calculations, units of measurement are used. They provide a standard system for expressing and comparing physical quantities.
There are various well-known historical measurement systems, such as the Babylonian system, the Roman system, the Egyptian system, the Olympian system, the British system, and the Indus...

Distance Measurements by Taping

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Tapes are essential in surveying for accurate, durable, and short-distance measurements. Made from lightweight, nylon-coated steel, they offer flexibility and strength for rugged outdoor use. The nylon coating protects against rust and wear, extending the tape's life. Standard lengths, around 30 meters, are marked in meters and millimeters for precision.Surveyors select tapes based on site conditions and accuracy needs. Lightweight, nylon-coated tapes are commonly used for ease of handling and...

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Torres Irribarra's Perspective on Measurement: a Commentary.

Michael T Kane¹

¹Educational Testing Services (ETS), Princetom, NJ, USA. mkane@ets.org.

Integrative Psychological & Behavioral Science

|February 21, 2022

Summary

This book redefines measurement using Pragmatism, emphasizing goals and practical use over abstract scales. It highlights how specific interpretations and applications of measures are crucial in social sciences.

Keywords:

Generalizability Interval scales Measurement Ordinal scales Pragmatism

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Area of Science:

Measurement theory
Philosophy of science
Social sciences

Background:

Traditional measurement definitions focus on abstract score scale properties.
Existing models often overlook the practical application and goals of measurement in social sciences.

Purpose of the Study:

To propose a new definition of measurement grounded in Pragmatism.
To shift the focus of measurement from abstract scales to the purpose and intended use of measures.

Main Methods:

The book critically examines prominent measurement definitions.
It introduces a novel definition of measurement based on Pragmatist philosophy.
The proposed model integrates the goals and specific applications of measurement.

Main Results:

A new, Pragmatism-based definition of measurement is presented.
The model emphasizes the goal-oriented nature of measurement and its practical utility.
It aligns with validity theory in educational and psychological measurement.

Conclusions:

Measurement should be understood as a tool for achieving specific goals.
The practical interpretation and intended use of measures are paramount, especially in social sciences.
This pragmatic perspective offers a more applicable framework for measurement in applied contexts.