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Measuring the non-existent: validity before measurement

Zhao, Kino (2023) Measuring the non-existent: validity before measurement. [Preprint]

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Abstract

This paper examines the role existence plays in measurement validity. I argue that existing popular theories of measurement and of validity follow a correspondence framework, which starts by assuming that an entity exists in the real world with certain properties that allow it to be measurable. Drawing on literature from the sociology of measurement, I show that the correspondence framework faces several theoretical and practical challenges. I suggested the validity-first framework of measurement, which starts with a practice-based validation process as the basis for a measurement theory, and only posits objective existence when it is scientifically useful to do so.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Zhao, Kinokino_zhao@sfu.ca0000-0002-5252-6747
Additional Information: This is the final version that is forthcoming in Philosophy of Science. No changes will be made other than copyediting. DOI still pending.
Keywords: measurement, scientific realism, validity, psychology, social science
Subjects: General Issues > Philosophers of Science
Specific Sciences > Psychology
General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
Depositing User: Dr. Kino Zhao
Date Deposited: 07 Jan 2023 14:35
Last Modified: 07 Jan 2023 14:35
Item ID: 21626
Subjects: General Issues > Philosophers of Science
Specific Sciences > Psychology
General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
Date: 6 January 2023
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/21626

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