Video: The Importance of Measurement in the Research Process

Importance of Measurement in Research

Treatments are tested on large groups of people to determine if they produce the same effects on everyone, ensuring a broader applicability. Furthermore, measurement helps determine whether an individual's recovery is due to the treatment or whether they would have recovered on their own. In addition, it also provides empirical evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of a given therapy.

Moreover, measurement provides a consistent framework to characterize and contrast phenomena while also facilitating intergroup comparisons. This allows the researcher to identify variations in outcomes, such as relief in symptoms among participants.

Types of Psychological Measurement

Task performance refers to assigning individuals specific tasks and evaluating its results to evaluate various capabilities. For instance, standardized exams like civil service exams, the SATs, and IQ tests are forms of task performances. After completion of the task, the results are checked on cognitive and behavioral criteria.

Observational measurement is the process where observation and notes are recorded by trained researchers about studies. For instance, in a study examining children's attention spans, researchers might turn on the television and observe how frequently the child is distracted. This method of measurement is particularly useful in the reviewing of real-world situations and psychological symptoms.

A self-report measure requires the participants to share their feelings and thoughts through questionnaires or surveys. For instance, you could be asked to rate your depression on a scale of one to ten. This method is advantageous in getting insights into personal experiences and internal states.

Role of Measurement in Psychological Research

In psychological research, measurement is a structured method of assessing feelings, thoughts, behaviors and other mental states. Additionally, researchers can use the findings to generalize the findings and draw meaningful conclusions.