ABSTRACT
Data themselves are neither good nor bad, as they can only be evaluated against a clearly defined purpose – what is the data good for? This chapter discusses various methods of data evaluation in the context of how data is used for psychological measurement. Specifically, we first describe various sources of (new and emerging) data and their relevance to constructs or phenomena of interest. Next, we review the general psychometric principles used to evaluate data, such as reliability and validity. Lastly, we discuss various forms (or approaches) of data evaluation that vary in the degree in which data and theory are involved. In doing so, we call for more diversified ways in which new types of data are evaluated and harnessed for both scientific and practical utility.
