An Introduction to the Logic of Psychological Measurement.

Michell, Joel.

ISBN 10: 0805805664 / ISBN 13: 9780805805666

Published by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates (LEA), Hillsdale, NJ, 1990

About this Item

Hardback octavo, no jacket as issued, very good condition, figures, edges foxed, minor edgewear, bookshop sticker rear cover. 190 pp. Joel Michell examines the widespread assumption that existing psychometric procedures provide scientific measurement. Operationalism and representationalism are critically examined, and the classical view, that measurement assesses quantity, is defended. Conjoint measurement is used to test the hypothesis that variables are quantitative. He uses psychological examples such as Thurstone's law of comparative judgment, multidimensional scaling, and the Coombs theory of unfolding. The numerous mathematical formulae, tables and charts add to the understanding of the material. The author is an academic, University of Sydney, who specialises in history and philosophy of psychological measurement. Seller Inventory # 2471

Bibliographic Details

Title: An Introduction to the Logic of ...

Publisher: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates (LEA), Hillsdale, NJ

Publication Date: 1990

Binding: Hardcover

About this title

Synopsis:

This book declines to take for granted the widespread assumption that existing psychometric procedures provide scientific measurement. The currently fashionable concepts of measurement within psychology -- operationalism and representationalism -- are critically examined, and the classical view, that measurement is the assessment of quantity, is defended. Within this framework, it is shown how conjoint measurement can be used to test the hypothesis that variables are quantitative. This theme is developed in detail using familiar psychological examples, such as Thurstone's law of comparative judgment, multidimensional scaling, and Coombs' theory of unfolding.

Review:

...we are quite enthusiastic about this book....Chapters 4 to 7 give an excellent perspective on the strength of conjoint measurement....the book is well written...
—Journal of Mathematical Psychology

...interesting and provocative....filled with mathematical formulae, tables, and charts that add to the understanding of the material....For advanced undergraduate or graduate students or professionals with a background and interest in psychological measurement.
—CHOICE

...provides a lucid and interesting discussion of important issues. Measurement theory is a difficult area, but Michell does a credible job with some of the important and difficult ideas....the book is a clear and unequivocal success.
—Applied Psychological Measurement