ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part highlights significant aspects on which substantially more work is needed and suggests yet another possible approach that, although it is only in the initial stages of formulation at present, may result in more efficient performance of the comparative measurement task. It presents three characteristics of a good measurement scheme: exact definition of concepts; specification of the dimensions along which variation occurs; and creation of reliable, equivalent, and valid operationalizations. The part examines a variety of legislative, administrative, and judicial actions relevant to the specification and implementation of a broad scope of rights in democracies. It addresses problems of operationalization and systematic data collection. The part explores substantial problems in the research designs employed in most existing comparative human rights measurement efforts, especially those that attempt to measure a broad scope of rights.
