Measurement Made Accessible : A Research Approach Using Qualitative, Quantitative and Quality Improvement Methods

by D. Lynn Kelley

• ISBN13: 9780761910237
• ISBN10: 0761910239
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-07-13
• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc

Summary

Through examples and exercises, this handy student guide teaches methods for sampling, data gathering, developing questionnaires, reliability and validity, and quantitative and qualitative measurement. In addition, the book explains the use of quality improvement tools and techniques in measurement. It will be invaluable on any graduate statistics course, and particularly for those in business administration and management.'The author uses plenty of examples and the text is well written and easy to understand. The exercises at the end of each chapter are particularly useful' - David J Solomon, Michigan State University

Table of Contents

Outline of the Book	ix
1. Introduction	1	(20)
Introduction to Measurement	1	(1)
Variables and Operational Definitions	2	(2)
Planning Measurement	4	(1)
Stanley Stevens's Scales of Measurement	4	(6)
Statistics as a Part of Measurement	10	(7)
An Introduction to Reliability and Validity	17	(2)
EXERCISE	19	(2)
2. Qualitative Research	21	(20)
Background	22	(3)
Qualitative Research Steps	25	(11)
Nonparametric Tests	36	(3)
EXERCISE 1	39	(1)
EXERCISE 2	39	(2)
3. Quantitative Measurement	41	(16)
Collecting and Describing	41	(5)
Analyzing and Interpreting	46	(1)
Hypothesis Testing Steps in Action	47	(8)
EXERCISE	55	(2)
4. Sampling	57	(18)
Nonprobability Sampling	60	(2)
Probability Sampling Methods	62	(6)
Sample Size	68	(5)
EXERCISE	73	(2)
5. Data Gathering	75	(14)
Participant-Observer	75	(2)
Direct Observation	77	(1)
Interviews	78	(1)
Focus Groups	79	(1)
Panels	80	(1)
Questionnaires	81	(2)
Ethical and Legal Considerations	83	(2)
Data-Gathering Problems	85	(3)
EXERCISE	88	(1)
6. Measuring Instruments and Developing Questionnaires	89	(20)
Purchasing an Instrument	90	(1)
Developing Questionnaires	91	(16)
EXERCISE 1	107	(1)
EXERCISE 2	108	(1)
7. Testing, Table of Specifications, and Item Analysis	109	(18)
Measurement Goal	110	(2)
Taxonomy	112	(2)
Table of Specifications	114	(1)
Item Development	115	(2)
Instructions and Format	117	(1)
Item Analysis	117	(7)
EXERCISE 1	124	(1)
EXERCISE 2	124	(1)
EXERCISE 3	125	(2)
8. Reliability, Validity, and Bias	127	(14)
Measurement Error	127	(1)
Reliability	128	(3)
Correlation Coefficient	131	(2)
Validity	133	(3)
Bias	136	(5)
9. Research Design	141	(12)
Threats to Internal Validity	142	(3)
External Validity	145	(1)
Designs	145	(6)
EXERCISE	151	(2)
10. Measurement for Quality	153	(24)
The Shewhart Cycle	154	(1)
Process Flowcharts	154	(3)
Ishikawa (Fishbone) Diagram	157	(4)
Pareto Chart	161	(3)
Control Charts	164	(10)
EXERCISE 1	174	(1)
EXERCISE 2	174	(3)
11. Computer Analysis and the Final Document	177	(12)
Editing	177	(1)
Coding	178	(1)
Computer Use	178	(5)
Confidentiality	183	(1)
The Final Written Report	184	(2)
The Final Oral Report	186	(1)
Publication	186	(3)
Glossary	189	(12)
References	201	(4)
Index	205	(6)
About the Author	211