Here - Paul Barrett

Theories of MeasurementThe Classical Theory of MeasurementThe relations represented in measurement havean existence independent of human observationsor operations. Numbers are considered to beempirical facts, not abstract entities. That is,reference to numbers in quantitative science isliteral, and not merely metaphorical, as therepresentational theory of measurement wouldhave it. Theories of MeasurementThe Classical Theory of MeasurementTherefore, in order to use numbers to representthe relations between magnitudes of quantity fora variable, we need to first confirm thequantitative structure of our variable in order toestablish that any mapping between numbersand our proposed variable units is in fact valid.In short, the variable of interest must beempirically determined to possess a quantitativestructure, prior to any representation.MGMT 740 – 845th March 2006 MGMT 740 – 846th March 2006 Theories of MeasurementThe Classical Theory of MeasurementMichell (1999), p.75…“Because measurement involves a commitment tothe existence of quantitative attributes,quantification entails an empirical issue: is theattribute involved really quantitative or not? If itis, then quantification can sensibly proceed. If it isnot, then attempts at quantification aremisguided. A science that aspires to bequantitative will ignore this fact at its peril…” Theories of MeasurementThe Classical Theory of MeasurementMichell (1999), p.75…“It is pointless to invest energies and resources inthe enterprise of quantification if the attributeinvolved is not really quantitative. The logicallyprior task in this enterprise is that of addressingthis empirical issue. I call it the scientific task ofquantification (Michell, 1997)”.MGMT 740 – 847th March 2006 MGMT 740 – 848th March 2006