ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we discuss how to define and measure concepts that are studied in a quantitative research project. This chapter guides the reader in the process of identifying a conceptual definition as well as an operational definition of a concept, which are important steps in research design. We explain that some concepts have dimensions, and we show how applying a list of indicators is often a useful way to measure concepts and/or their corresponding dimensions. Operationalized concepts take the shape of variables in a quantitative research study, and we define attributes and values of variables in this chapter. Levels of measurement of variables are identified, as are frequently used types of measures such as the Likert scale. The fundamental issues of reliability and validity are introduced and are applied to the convention in quantitative research of using closed-ended measures, where attributes of variables are fixed and predetermined by the researcher. Measuring variables in a manner that allows for as much recognition of the voices of those studied is discussed. Developing measures that reflect the full range of people’s identities, views, and experiences is put forth as an important goal, as well.
