The Scales We Use and the Comparisons We Make

In this unit, you are introduced to four scales of measurement, which are easily remembered with the acronym NOIR, and include nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio. Each of these levels or scales of measurement has its own properties, methods for assigning numbers or scores, and procedures for statistically manipulating them. As noted in your Psychological Testing and Assessmenttext, and adhering to a fundamentalist view of measurement statistics, all possible attributes in psychology can be examined through at least one of these four scales and the creation of scores that purport to measure them.

You also read about two methods for evaluating those scores by comparing them to a reference set of data; namely, norm-referenced testing and assessment, and criterion-referenced testing and assessment. Each of these methods is unique in the focus regarding a test’s scores or results.

Discuss the impact of each scale of measurement on the ability or inability to be utilized on a test being standardized as a norm-referenced or criterion-referenced assessment. For the purpose of this discussion, you may cluster the ordinal and interval scale together. Subsequently, your post will include the following four elements:

• Ordinal or interval scale of measurement and norm-referenced test.
• Ordinal or interval scale of measurement and criterion-referenced test.
• Ratio scale of measurement and norm-referenced test.
• Ratio scale of measurement and criterion-referenced test.

In your post:

• Provide at least one example that is not in your Psychological Testing and Assessment text for each combination above and describe how the referencing data would be collected.
• Provide a statement that evaluates which scale of measurement appears to be the most useful for examining attributes in psychology. Explain.
• Evaluate which method of referencing (norm or criterion) appears to be the most useful for examining attributes in psychology. Explain your decision based on the area of focus regarding the test results. For example, identify if it is preferable to focus on how one individual performs relative to others who took the same test, or if it is preferable to only focus on what the individual can or cannot do.

Response Guidelines

Respond to the posts of at least two other learners.

Learning Components

This activity will help you achieve the following learning components:

• Describe types of measurements used in testing.
• Describe areas of specialization in relation to testing.
• Apply writing and citations skills appropriate for doctoral-level learners.

Resources

• Discussion Participation Scoring Guide.