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Thinking About Measures and Measurement in Positivist Research: A Proposal for Refocusing on Fundamentals

Author

Listed:
  • Andrew Burton-Jones

    (University of Queensland Business School and Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia)

  • Allen S. Lee

    (School of Business, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23284)

Abstract

We challenge two taken-for-granted assumptions about measurement in positivist research. The first assumption is that measures and measurements are relevant for quantitative, but not qualitative, research. We explain why they apply to both types of research. The second assumption we challenge is that existing measurement practices are unproblematic, even if researchers sometimes vary in how well they enact them. We explain why current norms (both espoused and enacted) are deficient in some important ways because they fail to emphasize the fundamental issues of measures and measurements. Drawing on symbolic logic, we provide a framework to help positivist researchers to assess efforts in measuring and measurement regardless of their quantitative or qualitative orientation. The framework provides more parsimonious and broadly applicable guidance than available to date and suggests the need to refocus on measurement fundamentals.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Burton-Jones & Allen S. Lee, 2017. "Thinking About Measures and Measurement in Positivist Research: A Proposal for Refocusing on Fundamentals," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 28(3), pages 451-467, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:orisre:v:28:y:2017:i:3:p:451-467
    DOI: 10.1287/isre.2017.0704
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Jean-Charles Pillet & Claudio Vitari & Jackie London & Kevin D Matthews, 2022. "Early-Stage Construct Development Practices in IS Research: A 2000-2020 Review," Post-Print hal-03876784, HAL.
    3. Claudio Vitari & Jean‐charles Pillet, 2023. "Scale adaptation of MIS measures and their implications on MIS scholarship [Adaptation d'échelles de mesure en Systèmes d'Information et leurs implications pratiques]," Post-Print hal-04118246, HAL.

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