Chapter 16: Measurement Concepts

Chapter 16: Measurement Concepts

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. A shepherd in the wilds of eastern Nevada is counting his sheep at the end of a work day. What is another term for what he is doing?

a.	Estimating random error
b.	Measuring
c.	Using an interval level of measurement
d.	Calculating risk ratios

 

 

ANS:  B

Measurement is the process of assigning numbers to objects, events, or situations in accord with some rule. The numbers assigned can indicate numerical values or categories for the objects being measured for research or practice.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Page 382

 

2. What kind of reliability testing is used extensively in qualitative research?

a.	Equivalence reliability
b.	Stability reliability
c.	External consistency
d.	Internal consistency

 

 

ANS:  A

Equivalence reliability compares two versions of the same paper-and-pencil instrument or two observers measuring the same event. Determining interrater reliability is a concern when studies include observational measurement, which is common in qualitative research. Interrater reliability values need to be reported in any study in which observational data are collected or judgments are made by two or more data gatherers. Consequently, it is used in various types of qualitative research in which data or behaviors are coded.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                REF:   Page 390

 

3. Why would interrater reliability be measured in a quantitative research project?

a.	A verbal quantitative questionnaire is filled out.
b.	Behavior is observed and classified.
c.	Phenomenology is the research method.
d.	Distances are measured.

 

 

ANS:  B

Determining interrater reliability is a concern when studies include observational measurement, which is common in qualitative research. Interrater reliability values need to be reported in any study in which observational data are collected or judgments are made by two or more data gatherers. Consequently, it is used in various types of qualitative research in which data or behaviors are coded or classified.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                REF:   Page 390

 

4. What is the purpose of determining an instrument’s internal consistency?

a.	It establishes face validity.
b.	It demonstrates that the instrument is measuring exactly what the researcher thinks it is measuring.
c.	It decreases measurement error.
d.	It is a way of establishing test-retest reliability.

 

 

ANS:  D

Tests of instrument internal consistency or homogeneity, used primarily with paper-and-pencil tests or scales, address the correlation of various items within the instrument. The original approach to determining internal consistency was split-half reliability. This strategy was a way of obtaining test-retest reliability without administering the test twice.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Page 391

 

5. A new tool and very short tool is developed. It is to be used instead of a previously validated tool that is very long to administer. What kind of validity concept will be used for testing this new tool?

a.	Divergent validity
b.	Convergent validity
c.	Discriminant analysis
d.	Content validity

 

 

ANS:  B

In examining the validity of the new instrument, it is important to determine how closely the existing instruments measure the same construct as the newly developed instrument (convergent validity). Divergent validity would measure the differences in measurement, between an existing instrument and a newly-developed one. Discriminant analysis measures the difference between two related but not identical concepts. Content validity is the extent to which a measurement represents the concept being measured.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Page 400