Before we talk about measurement scales and why they matter we should first explain what they are. A compound measure allows us to measure different aspects of a topic people would find complex. This topic could range from stem cell research to abortion to gun control. The good thing about compound measures is they have a general reliability to them. What I mean is, if an error is made it often does not make the whole measurement go wrong. Compound measures should have several different characteristics in common at least in measure. This is called homogeneity, for example when we look at economic development this has to do with the economy or when we look at sports measurements during a game. This would have to do with that sport. Now
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An Index is a term for a set of variables used as a measure for a more abstract concept. Public Administrators will often find it helpful to use several indicators to form a single measure. The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is classic example of this. It is the classic measure for production of a country. GDP represents goods and services produced by a country during a certain time period. Some of the indicators are Personal consumption, Government purchase, Private inventories, Paid in construction cost and Foreign Trade Balance. Other examples of a possible index are GPA (Grade Point Average) or the CPI (Consumer Price Index) The consumer price index is used to measure the prices of goods that consumers …show more content…
While a Thurstone scale can have a simple favorable or unfavorable option. Thurstone scales are used to measure and survey ones view on a statement. An example could be when Ron Paul said, “"I support legalizing Marijuana use.” It could also be as simple as “I support gay marriage.” Or “I support Stem Cell research.” Because a Thurstone scale is strongly based on opinion it is best to have a central theme for your scale. A Example could be “I support legalizing Marijuana use.” Then a follow up question such as “Marijuana use helps fights cancer.” And so
An Index is a term for a set of variables used as a measure for a more abstract concept. Public Administrators will often find it helpful to use several indicators to form a single measure. The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is classic example of this. It is the classic measure for production of a country. GDP represents goods and services produced by a country during a certain time period. Some of the indicators are Personal consumption, Government purchase, Private inventories, Paid in construction cost and Foreign Trade Balance. Other examples of a possible index are GPA (Grade Point Average) or the CPI (Consumer Price Index) The consumer price index is used to measure the prices of goods that consumers …show more content…
While a Thurstone scale can have a simple favorable or unfavorable option. Thurstone scales are used to measure and survey ones view on a statement. An example could be when Ron Paul said, “"I support legalizing Marijuana use.” It could also be as simple as “I support gay marriage.” Or “I support Stem Cell research.” Because a Thurstone scale is strongly based on opinion it is best to have a central theme for your scale. A Example could be “I support legalizing Marijuana use.” Then a follow up question such as “Marijuana use helps fights cancer.” And so