Theories, models, and standard systems of measurement

Abstract

Measurement theories in psychology may be classified in terms of whether they begin from a general measurement framework or from a specific area of measurement. Points of contact between theories and different specific measurement areas have been limited by the choice of focus in discussions of general measurement theories and specific theories or models. This presentation outlines a metatheoretical framework that begins with the obvious common factor in all areas, the standard system of measurement. Just as a standard is a commonly accepted unit of measurement, a standard system is a commonly accepted mechanism of measurement for a given area. The concept of a standard system amplifies general definitions of measurement and clarifies metatheoretical statements concerning the requirements for measurement. Differences between measurement situations may be categorized by the type of standard system used and by features of the attribute measured. Identification of different standard systems and elements of the measurement process provides a focus for comparisons between measurement theories and models in different measurement situations. Index terms: applied measurement models, comparison of measurement models, definition of measurement, measurement process, measurement theory, metatheoretical framework for applied measurement models, standard systems of measurement.