Research Methodology

EXERCISE 6

1. Familiarize yourselves with the following terms and provide example :

a) Operational Definition

When applied to data collection, operational definition is a clear, concise detailed definition of a measure. It is fundamental when collecting all types of data. For example, when invoices are being checked for errors, the data collection will be meaningless if the definition of an error has not been specified. When collecting data, it is essential that everyone in the system has the same understanding and collects data in the same way. Operational definitions should therefore be made before the collection of data begins.

b) Nominal Scale

It is a list of categories to which objects can be classified. It is the simplest type of scale and gives basic categorical gross information. Nominal scale therefore is qualitative rather than quantitative. For example, the code for male subjects is 1 and female is 2.

c) Ordinal Scale

The numbers result the measurement of ordinal scale are nominal in scale, but can be arranged in an implied or rank order. It put person or object in order from the highest to lowest or from most to least. For example, respondents are ranked by academic qualification (PMR : 1, SPM : 2, Diploma : 3).

d) Interval Scale

It has all characteristics of nominal and ordinal scales but also has equal intervals. It helps in grouping individual to certain categories, taps the order of these groups, and measures the magnitude of the differences in preferences among the individuals. For example, temperature is in Celsius (0, 50, 100).

e) Ratio Scale

In ratio scales, it has the properties of 3 other scales and a true zero point. Time, distance and weight are measurable in this ratio. For example, Time (5 hours), distance (100m), and weight (80kg).

f) Reliability

It is the degree to which measures are free from error and yield consistent in results in repeated...