ABSTRACT
The decisions we make about how to define and measure what we are studying have lasting implications for how we approach the research process. As such, it is essential that we thoughtfully approach this part of the research process and take steps to ensure that we have both a good conceptual definition for any concept we are studying and a good plan (i.e., operational definition) for measuring that concept. This unit will cover the key steps in the process of breaking down complicated concepts and dimensions into measurable variables as well as the role of factor analysis in exploring or confirming measurement decisions. Further, it will provide a detailed understanding of measurement error—both random and systematic—while introducing the core research concepts of reliability and validity, both of which are explored further in later units.
