The problem of psychological measurement

1894 ◽  
Author(s):  
George H. Mead
Author(s):  
Alicia A. Stachowski ◽  
John T. Kulas

Abstract. The current paper explores whether self and observer reports of personality are properly viewed through a contrasting lens (as opposed to a more consonant framework). Specifically, we challenge the assumption that self-reports are more susceptible to certain forms of response bias than are informant reports. We do so by examining whether selves and observers are similarly or differently drawn to socially desirable and/or normative influences in personality assessment. Targets rated their own personalities and recommended another person to also do so along shared sets of items diversely contaminated with socially desirable content. The recommended informant then invited a third individual to additionally make ratings of the original target. Profile correlations, analysis of variances (ANOVAs), and simple patterns of agreement/disagreement consistently converged on a strong normative effect paralleling item desirability, with all three rater types exhibiting a tendency to reject socially undesirable descriptors while also endorsing desirable indicators. These tendencies were, in fact, more prominent for informants than they were for self-raters. In their entirety, our results provide a note of caution regarding the strategy of using non-self informants as a comforting comparative benchmark within psychological measurement applications.


1972 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald W. Zimmerman

The concepts of random error and reliability of measurements that are familiar in traditional theories based on the notions of “true values” and “errors” can be represented by a probability model having a simpler formal structure and fewer special assumptions about random sampling and independence of measurements. In this model formulas that relate observable events are derived from probability axioms and from primitive terms that refer to observable events, without an intermediate structure containing variances and correlations of “true” and “error” components of scores. While more economical in language and formalism, the model at the same time is more general than classical theories and applies to stochastic processes in which joint distributions of many dependent random variables are of interest. In addition, it clarifies some long-standing problems concerning “experimental independence” of measurements and the relation of sampling of individuals to sampling of measurements.


1963 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter F. Merenda ◽  
Walter V. Clarke

Two self-rating adjective check lists (ACL) were administered to 44 students in a course on psychological measurement. The first ACL administered was the regular free response list, followed immediately with a forced-choice version in which the adjectives were arranged into tetrad sets. Ipsative scoring was used and profiles compared. The correlations between the profiles ranged from −1.00 to 1.00, more than 40% falling in the negative range. Ss gave their impressions and reactions to both inventories, and evaluated the relative validity of the results. A majority favored the free-response technique and felt that it would yield a more accurate description of their self-concepts and personality structures. General consensus was that the forced-choice instructions led to frustration, increased irritability, and decreased motivation. Ss felt that the free-response instrument presented a more relaxing situation and was even enjoyable to take. Ss' verbal reactions were consistent with the statistical results. The findings suggest that the forced-choice method is likely to be inappropriate for use with adjective check lists in self-concept assessment and analysis, and may lead not only to distortion in the personality profiles, but also to reversals.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 1581-1599
Author(s):  
Semen Yu. BOGATYREV

Subject. The study deals with heuristics as measures of the emotional impact of people who judge about the value and the final result of the valuation. I review ranges of the value variance when influenced by irrational factors. From psychological perspectives, some phenomena are explained with a set of heuristics that exist as part of behavioral finance. Objectives. Referring to the completed studies, I implement elements of behavioral finance, such as heuristics into the method for assessing how financial decision-makers and their emotions influence the value. Methods. The article is based on methods of induction and deduction to process survey results. Results. The article reveals the content of key methods for measuring emotions of financial decision-maker, which conclude on the value, being influenced by heuristics. I demonstrate tools for implementing psychological measurement methods as part of valuation. Conclusions and Relevance. Considering heuristics of value decision-makers, the appraiser and the cost analyst approximate the valuation result to the real conditions, when market actors are irrational. Doing so, they contribute to the quality of the result of appraisal. The findings are applicable to the practice of appraisers, cost analysts, fundamental analysts. Heuristics enrich and expands the classical apparatus of valuation and increases its quality.


1976 ◽  
Vol 38 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1023-1050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilma J. Knox

The literature published in 1971 and 1972 on alcoholics in the United States was reviewed for objective psychological test data or behavioral measurements. The review was organized to facilitate further research by assembling information according to problem area and by including tests employed, significant findings ( p = .05), critical comments, and inferences for therapy. An appendix of references from 1968–1970 employing objective psychological measurements is included and cross-indexed.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Kitchener Sakaluk ◽  
Alexandra Noelle Fisher

The validity of psychological measurement is a crucial auxiliary theory underlying many sexual science studies. Although many sexuality researchers are familiar with certain elements of psychological measurement, the field of psychological measurement is a developing and evolving literature, with concepts, applications, and techniques that do not always trickle down quickly into interdisciplinary fields like sexual science. The purpose of this Measurement Memo, therefore, is to connect sexual scientists to measurement-related issues, explanations, and resources that they may not otherwise encounter in their scholarly reading. Our review focuses on those carrying out psychological measurement using theories and methods of latent variable modeling, and we identify and summarize key ideas and references that serve as good launching points for sexual scientists to begin to improve their psychological measurement practices, for beginners and seasoned users alike.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document