S W 313 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Social Desirability Bias, Qualitative Inquiry, Observational Error
Document Summary
Chapter 8: measurement in quantitative and qualitative inquiry. In quantitative inquiry, operational definition provides the bridge from conceptualization to measurement. We need to be mindful of the extreme vulnerability of the measurement process to sources of measurement error. Measurement error occurs when we obtain data that do not accurately portray the concept we are attempting to measure. Systematic error a measurement error that occurs when the information we collect consistently reflects a false picture of the concept we seek to measure. Bias a distortion in measurement based on personal preferences or beliefs. Bias can happen on the both the researcher and participant side. Acquiescent response set the tendency to agree or disagree with all statements regardless of their content. Social desirability bias the tendency of people to say or do things that will make them or their reference look good. Random error a measurement error that has no consistent pattern of effects.
