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Jennifer Bachner, PhD
This course provides a framework for how analysts can create and evaluate quantitative measures. Consider the many tricky concepts that are often of interest to analysts, such as health, educational attainment and trust in government. This course will explore various approaches for quantifying these concepts. The course begins with an overview of the different levels of measurement and ways to transform variables. We’ll then discuss how to construct and build a measurement model. We’ll next examine surveys, as they are one of the most frequently used measurement tools. As part of this discussion, we’ll cover survey sampling, design and evaluation. Lastly, we’ll consider different ways to judge the quality of a measure, such as by its level of reliability or validity. By the end of this course, you should be able to develop and critically assess measures for concepts worth study. After all, a good analysis is built on good measures.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Fundamentals of Measurement
Scientists and social science researchers are tasked with measuring concepts of all types. Some are quantitative, like blood pressure, while others are qualitative, like support for a policy proposal. Moreover, some measures are at the individual level while others are aggregated. This module will focus on distinguishing between different types of measures, different types of units and the advantages and disadvantages of these differences. By the end of this module, I think you'll better appreciate the amount of judgment and decision making that is required to perform a statistical analysis, an in particular, to create and select measure of the concepts you care about studying.
Read more
Syllabus
Fundamentals of Measurement
Scientists and social science researchers are tasked with measuring concepts of all types. Some are quantitative, like blood pressure, while others are qualitative, like support for a policy proposal. Moreover, some measures are at the individual level while others are aggregated. This module will focus on distinguishing between different types of measures, different types of units and the advantages and disadvantages of these differences. By the end of this module, I think you'll better appreciate the amount of judgment and decision making that is required to perform a statistical analysis, an in particular, to create and select measure of the concepts you care about studying.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores quantitative measurement of abstract concepts, commonly used by analysts in social science research
Instructed by Dr. Jennifer Bachner, an expert in research methodology and measurement
Covers essential aspects of measurement, including fundamentals, model building, survey research, and evaluation
Suitable for learners who seek to develop or refine their quantitative measurement skills for research or analysis
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Reviews summary
Mastering data measurement concepts
According to students, this course provides an invaluable and solid foundation in measurement theory, particularly crucial for professionals in social science, policy, or data analysis. Learners frequently praise the instructor's clear explanations and the well-structured lectures, highlighting how the material helps in turning abstract concepts into quantifiable data and critically assessing measures for real-world problems. However, some note its strong theoretical focus means it can feel less hands-on regarding software implementation. A prior statistical background is highly recommended, as some find the statistical jargon dense without it, potentially making the course feel rigorous.
Course emphasizes theory, less on practical software use.
"Some parts felt a bit theoretical, and I wished for more hands-on exercises or case studies."
"It's a rigorous course, but very rewarding. I found myself re-watching some lectures multiple times."
"Just be aware it's theory-heavy."
Concepts are highly relevant for analytical careers.
"I can immediately apply these concepts to my research."
"The material is directly applicable to real-world problems, especially in policy analysis."
"This course fills a critical gap in many data science curricula."
Instructor effectively clarifies complex topics.
"The instructor's explanations are clear and practical. I can immediately apply these concepts to my research."
"Fantastic course! The instructor is brilliant at explaining complex topics in an understandable way."
"The lectures were well-structured and the readings were relevant. Excellent content."
Provides a deep understanding of measurement principles.
"Absolutely invaluable for anyone working with data. The modules on measurement models and reliability/validity were particularly insightful."
"This course completely changed how I approach data collection and analysis. The focus on turning abstract concepts into quantifiable data is crucial."
"An excellent conceptual course on measurement. It teaches you to think critically about data before you even start analyzing it."
Lacks sufficient hands-on implementation or concrete software examples.
"While the theory is sound, I felt it lacked enough examples of how to actually implement these measurement models in software."
"Expected more practical applications. It's too theoretical for my needs as a practitioner."
"I struggled with the lack of concrete examples and found the lectures dry."
Benefits from prior statistics knowledge; can be challenging otherwise.
"I found some of the statistical jargon a bit dense without more prior statistical background."
"Requires a strong stats background."
"If you're not already comfortable with stats, be prepared for some extra effort."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data with these
activities:
Review measurement fundamentals
Show steps
Begin by reviewing the basics of measurement to ensure a solid foundation for the course.
Browse courses on
Measurement
Show steps
-
Review notes or textbooks on measurement theory
-
Complete practice problems on different types of measurement scales
Read 'Measurement in the Social Sciences' by Blalock
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of measurement theory and its applications in social science research.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read and summarize key chapters on measurement principles and techniques
-
Identify examples of measurement in real-world social science studies
Explore examples of measurement models
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with real-world examples of measurement models to enhance your understanding of their application.
Show steps
-
Locate online resources or tutorials that demonstrate the development of measurement models
-
Follow step-by-step instructions to create your own measurement model for a specific concept
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Conduct mock surveys
Show steps
Gain practical experience in survey design and data collection by conducting mock surveys.
Browse courses on
Survey Research
Show steps
-
Develop a research question and identify your target population
-
Design a survey instrument using best practices
-
Pilot test the survey with a small sample
-
Collect data from a larger sample
Develop a measurement evaluation framework
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of measurement evaluation by creating a framework to assess the quality of measurement tools.
Browse courses on
Reliability
Show steps
-
Research different approaches to measurement evaluation
-
Identify key criteria for assessing reliability and validity
-
Develop a measurement evaluation framework that aligns with the course concepts
Design a measurement plan for a research project
Show steps
Apply your learning by developing a comprehensive measurement plan for a research project of your choice.
Show steps
-
Define the research question and identify the concepts to be measured
-
Review existing literature and identify potential measurement approaches
-
Develop a measurement strategy that aligns with the research objectives
-
Consider ethical implications and potential biases in measurement
-
Prepare a written measurement plan outlining the chosen approach and justification
Review measurement fundamentals
Show steps
Begin by reviewing the basics of measurement to ensure a solid foundation for the course.
Browse courses on
Measurement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes or textbooks on measurement theory
- Complete practice problems on different types of measurement scales
Read 'Measurement in the Social Sciences' by Blalock
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of measurement theory and its applications in social science research.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read and summarize key chapters on measurement principles and techniques
- Identify examples of measurement in real-world social science studies
Explore examples of measurement models
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with real-world examples of measurement models to enhance your understanding of their application.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Locate online resources or tutorials that demonstrate the development of measurement models
- Follow step-by-step instructions to create your own measurement model for a specific concept
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Conduct mock surveys
Show steps
Gain practical experience in survey design and data collection by conducting mock surveys.
Browse courses on
Survey Research
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Develop a research question and identify your target population
- Design a survey instrument using best practices
- Pilot test the survey with a small sample
- Collect data from a larger sample
Develop a measurement evaluation framework
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of measurement evaluation by creating a framework to assess the quality of measurement tools.
Browse courses on
Reliability
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different approaches to measurement evaluation
- Identify key criteria for assessing reliability and validity
- Develop a measurement evaluation framework that aligns with the course concepts
Design a measurement plan for a research project
Show steps
Apply your learning by developing a comprehensive measurement plan for a research project of your choice.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Define the research question and identify the concepts to be measured
- Review existing literature and identify potential measurement approaches
- Develop a measurement strategy that aligns with the research objectives
- Consider ethical implications and potential biases in measurement
- Prepare a written measurement plan outlining the chosen approach and justification
Career center
Learners who complete Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Statistician
Statistician
Statisticians design, plan and analyze surveys, collect and interpret data, develop mathematical models and write reports summing up results. Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data helps build a foundation for this work by teaching you how to create and evaluate quantitative measures, which is an essential skill for collecting accurate and reliable data. Additionally, the course's focus on building measurement models can help you develop mathematical models that accurately represent the data you collect.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts transform raw data into useful information that can be used to make informed decisions. Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data may be useful for this role, as it provides a framework for collecting and interpreting data, which is essential for data analysis. Additionally, the course's focus on building measurement models can help you develop models that accurately represent the data you collect.
Market Researcher
Market Researcher
Market Researchers collect and analyze data on consumer behavior and market trends. Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data may be useful for this role, as it provides a framework for collecting and interpreting data, which is essential for market research. Additionally, the course's focus on building measurement models can help you develop models that accurately represent the data you collect.
Survey Researcher
Survey Researcher
Survey Researchers design, conduct, and analyze surveys to collect data on public opinion, consumer behavior, and other topics. Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data may be useful for this role, as it provides a framework for collecting and interpreting data, which is essential for survey research. Additionally, the course's focus on building measurement models can help you develop models that accurately represent the data you collect.
Public Opinion Researcher
Public Opinion Researcher
Public Opinion Researchers study public opinion on political and social issues. Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data may be useful for this role, as it provides a framework for collecting and interpreting data, which is essential for public opinion research. Additionally, the course's focus on building measurement models can help you develop models that accurately represent the data you collect.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues and make recommendations to policymakers. Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data may be useful for this role, as it provides a framework for collecting and interpreting data, which is essential for policy analysis. Additionally, the course's focus on building measurement models can help you develop models that accurately represent the data you collect.
Health Economist
Health Economist
Health Economists apply economic principles to the analysis of health care issues. Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data may be useful for this role, as it provides a framework for collecting and interpreting data, which is essential for health economics research. Additionally, the course's focus on building measurement models can help you develop models that accurately represent the data you collect.
Education Researcher
Education Researcher
Education Researchers study the effectiveness of educational programs and policies. Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data may be useful for this role, as it provides a framework for collecting and interpreting data, which is essential for education research. Additionally, the course's focus on building measurement models can help you develop models that accurately represent the data you collect.
Social Scientist
Social Scientist
Social Scientists study human behavior and social institutions. Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data may be useful for this role, as it provides a framework for collecting and interpreting data, which is essential for social science research. Additionally, the course's focus on building measurement models can help you develop models that accurately represent the data you collect.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analysts use statistical and mathematical models to analyze data and make predictions. Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data may be useful for this role, as it provides a framework for collecting and interpreting data, which is essential for quantitative analysis. Additionally, the course's focus on building measurement models can help you develop models that accurately represent the data you collect.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to solve business problems. Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data may be useful for this role, as it provides a framework for collecting and interpreting data, which is essential for operations research. Additionally, the course's focus on building measurement models can help you develop models that accurately represent the data you collect.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use statistical and mathematical models to analyze data and make predictions. Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data may be useful for this role, as it provides a framework for collecting and interpreting data, which is essential for data science. Additionally, the course's focus on building measurement models can help you develop models that accurately represent the data you collect.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts use data to identify and solve business problems. Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data may be useful for this role, as it provides a framework for collecting and interpreting data, which is essential for business analysis. Additionally, the course's focus on building measurement models can help you develop models that accurately represent the data you collect.
Actuary
Actuary
Actuaries use mathematical and statistical models to assess risk and uncertainty. Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data may be useful for this role, as it provides a framework for collecting and interpreting data, which is essential for actuarial work. Additionally, the course's focus on building measurement models can help you develop models that accurately represent the data you collect.
Economist
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data may be useful for this role, as it provides a framework for collecting and interpreting data, which is essential for economic analysis. Additionally, the course's focus on building measurement models can help you develop models that accurately represent the data you collect.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/0kufwx/measurement
Reading list
We've selected 12 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data.
Introduces the concepts of systematic and random measurement error and explores how this error affects the reliability and validity of a measurement tool.
Explores the measurement process, including conceptualization, operationalization, and how to create full measurement models based on operationalized concepts.
Provides an overview of the different levels of measurement and ways to transform variables. It also covers the different ways to construct and build a measurement model.
Is good for those interested in measurement and evaluation in social work.
Covers the fundamentals of measurement, including the different types of measures, the different types of units, and the advantages and disadvantages of these differences.
Covers the three fundamental pillars of survey research: sampling, design, and evaluation.
Good choice for counselors and those interested in measurement and evaluation in counseling and development.
Covers the fundamentals of measurement and evaluation in public health.
Covers the theory and practice of measurement and evaluation in education and psychology.
Is another option that covers the theory and practice of measurement.
Save
Classic in the field of structural equation modeling. It provides a comprehensive overview of the LISREL program, which is one of the most widely used software programs for structural equation modeling.
Provides a comprehensive overview of applied longitudinal data analysis. It is particularly useful for those who are interested in using longitudinal data to study change and event occurrence.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/0kufwx/measurement
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 2-4 hours per week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructor
Jennifer Bachner, PhD
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Data Literacy. It's comprised of five courses:
- Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data (viewing)
- What are the Chances? Probability and Uncertainty in Statistics
- Quantifying Relationships with Regression Models
- Data Literacy Capstone – Evaluating Research
- Data – What It Is, What We Can Do With It
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