Here - Paul Barrett

Meaning, Theory, and MeasurementHaving identified a phenomenon, the scientisttries to explain the cause/s of it. This is theessence of Brian Haig’s and Bill Rozeboom’sposition on abductive science –that ofexploring causes of establishedoutcomes/phenomena. Meaning, Theory, and MeasurementMichael Maraun (1998) …“Measurement practice in psychologymisdiagnoses the nature of measurement, sinceit is uniformly formulated under the assumptionthat measurement claims are justified in largepart through empirical case-building [akaconstruct validity]” (p. 436)See the paper by Yu (Abduction, Deduction,Induction … still logged as “submitted”) in theLecture “book of knowledge” for an excellentoverview of each mode of reasoning.“The problem is that in construct validationtheory, knowing about something is confusedwith an understanding of the meaning of theconcept that denotes that something…..MGMT 740 – 861th March 2006 MGMT 740 – 862th March 2006 Meaning, Theory, and MeasurementMaraun claims that the conventional viewof construct validity as stated below by itsprogenitors is flawed …“Scientifically speaking, to ‘make clear whatsomething is’ means to set forth the laws inwhich it occurs.” (Cronbach and Meehl,1955) Meaning, Theory, and MeasurementMichael Maraun (1998)… p. 448“This is mistaken. One may know more or lessabout it, build a correct or incorrect case about it,articulate to a greater or lesser extent the lawsinto which it enters, discover much, or very littleabout it. However, these activities all presupposerules for the application of the concept thatdenotes it (e.g. emotional intelligence,dominance). Furthermore, one must be preparedto cite these standards as justification for theclaim that these empirical facts are about it.”MGMT 740 – 863th March 2006 MGMT 740 – 864th March 2006