Process Involved in Choosing a Measurement Tool for Variables in Research

Process Involved in Choosing a Measurement Tool for Variables in Research According to Santayana (2008, p.1), â€Å"measurement is at the core of doing research†. Generally, after conducting research, researchers have to reduce their finding to numbers in order for people to understand their study findings. Such measurements are exceptionally essential in the measurement of hypotheses. Researchers therefore must come up with sound measurement tools for both independent and dependent variables.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Process Involved in Choosing a Measurement Tool for Variables in Research specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Measurement is not as easy as it sounds. It is composed of four basic principles. The first two, conceptualization and operationalization are a bit simple. The other two are more advanced and complicated. They include determining the levels of measurement and measuring validity and reliability. Conceptualization involves defining a concept. Thus, researcher s must define that particular concept in a manner that is understandable by the scientific community. Researchers are allowed to borrow conceptualization from their predecessors and other researchers. On the other hand, operationalization involves making the conceptual definition more precise. This often involves linking the conceptual definition to one or more indicators. The indicators chosen must reflect observable reality in numbers. For example, in the parent involvement study, the conceptual definition is ‘parents’ involvement’. However, the operational definition is ‘parents’ role construction’. It is also important when giving an operational definition to establish the unit of analysis. In addition, a researcher needs to evaluate the level of measurement. Santayana (2008, p.1) indicates that â€Å"the level of measurement is the precision by which a variable is measured and there are four levels of measurement namely nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio†. The four levels are named from the lowest to the highest. On the other hand, Stevens (1951, p. 1) states that â€Å"everything that can be measured falls in the aforementioned levels and the higher the type, the more the precision in measurement†. Variables that are categorical in nature usually fall in the nominal level while those that have significant importance fall in the ordinal level. Variables that have significant distances between their ranks fall in the interval level. On the other hand, variables that have fixed intervals and a fixed reference point are grouped in the ratio level. It is for these reasons that Creswell (2011) holds the opinion that researchers must define their variables conceptually and operationally while putting into account the levels of measurement since these factors eventually determine how the data collected is analyzed. In the parent involvement study, ‘parents’ involvement’ falls in the ord inal level.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Creswell (2011) also notes that accurate researches are accurate and valid. Validity can be measured using four methods namely face, content, criterion and construct. On the other hand, reliability can be estimated using the following methods test retest, multiple forms, inter rater, and split half. Therefore, in order to locate an instrument that is to be used to measure a given variable, a researcher must put into account a number of factors. First and foremost, according to Slavin (1984), the researcher must define his concept conceptually and operationally. After that, the researcher must establish the level of measurement in which his or her variable falls. In addition, the researcher must detect the rationales he or she will use to estimate validity and reliability. The achievement of this goal relies on having proper concept ual and operational definition and the establishment of the level of measurement of the variable. References Cresewell, J. (2011). Educational Research: Planning, Conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research. New York: Pearson. Santayana, G. (2008). Measurement, Reliability, and Validity. Web. Slavin, R. (1984). Research Methods in Education: A Practical Guide. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Stevens, S. (1951). Handbook of Experimental Psycholog. New York: Weley.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Process Involved in Choosing a Measurement Tool for Variables in Research specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More

How to Find a Career That Will Give You a Sense of Purpose

How to Find a Career That Will Give You a Sense of Purpose Most people would agree that having a sense of purpose in a job makes them feel more productive and happier because then a job seem less like work. In addition, helping others seems to be more important than the money earned in a job. That produces motivation and a willingness to put in extra effort. Taking a look at what jobs have the highest and lowest satisfaction rates according to surveys is an interesting way to assess what job may be right for you. PhysiciansPhysicians in the health care field showed the highest satisfaction rate in their jobs with a score of 95.5 percent. Neurosurgeons, along with cardiothoracic surgeons, OB/GYNs and anesthesiologists were at the top of the job satisfaction list. Not only do these health care jobs offer high pay, they also offer the bonus of a contribution to society by treating the sick and saving lives.Self-Employed Business OwnersThis group encompasses entrepreneurs, business owners and contractors. With a job satisfaction rating of 93.3 p ercent, the people in this group had the highest rating for work environment, including a feeling of openness and a sense of trust. The accomplishment attained in these types of jobs is an important aspect of achieving satisfaction.TeachersTeachers, including teaching assistants and teachers of special education, came next at 91.1 percent. Almost 70 percent said they were thriving, and the teachers reported that they had been happy within the past 24 hours, by laughing, smiling or having experienced joy in their lives.Jobs Requiring Professional TrainingComputer programmers, architects and other professions that require professional training reported a 90.4 percent satisfaction with their jobs. Because of their training, they were placed in jobs with responsibility and the ability to see the outcome of their efforts.Managerial JobsThose in managerial jobs scored their work environments high and reported their satisfaction level as 90.3. Well over half of those surveyed said their su perior in the company treated them like an equal, which was a higher rating than all the other professions that were surveyed.Jobs With the Lowest SatisfactionThose who work in jobs where morale tends to be lowest are also the most dissatisfied with their jobs. Workers in fast food restaurants show the least amount of satisfaction in a job, according to PayScale, with 25 percent saying that their jobs make the world more unpleasant. Coming in second were pickers at 21 percent. These workers spend their days working in warehouses to ensure that purchasers receive their packages. The monotony of the job, combined with staying in a warehouse all day may contribute to their dissatisfaction. Floor supervisors for table games at casinos also said their jobs made the world more unpleasant. Although this type of job is fairly high paying, watching people lose money at the game tables every day must be difficult for some.Finding a Satisfying JobSatisfaction in your job and feeling that you a re making a contribution makes it more likely that you will be happy with a position, no matter what it is. Some people are motivated by pursuing a career with an eye toward advancement, while others believe that passion for what they are doing make a difference. Having a good attitude, challenges in your work that encourage you to improve, variety in the tasks you are expected to do and a feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day contributes to your sense of satisfaction in a job.TheJobNetwork helps you job hunt by noting your skills and interests to send you job alerts when positions of this type become available. After you sign up for job match alert, all you have to do is fill out your qualifications and what types of jobs you are seeking. If you prefer, you can use the job site to search yourself, saving yourself the time from looking at multiple sites to find that great job.