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1 results

  • 16 - Measurement Validity

  • from Part IV - Measurement Validity
  • Edited by Zachary Elkins, University of Texas, Austin
  • David Collier, University of California, Berkeley
  • Book:
    Working with Concepts
    Published online:
    22 April 2026
    Print publication:
    09 April 2026, pp 321-356
    • Chapter
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  • Summary

    Scholars routinely make claims that presuppose the validity of the observations and measurements that operationalize their concepts. Yet, despite recent advances in political science methods, surprisingly little attention has been devoted to measurement validity. This chapter addresses this gap by exploring four themes. First, the chapter establishes a shared framework that allows quantitative and qualitative scholars to assess more effectively, and communicate about, issues of valid measurement. Second, the chapter underscores the need to draw a clear distinction between measurement issues and disputes about concepts. Third, the chapter discusses the contextual specificity of measurement claims, exploring a variety of measurement strategies that seek to combine generality and validity by devoting greater attention to context. Fourth, the chapter addresses the proliferation of terms for alternative measurement validation procedures and offer an account of the three main types of validation most relevant to political scientists.