On the Potential for Improved Measurement in the Human and Social Sciences
In Q. Zhang & H. Yang (Eds.), Pacific Rim Objective Measurement Symposium 2012 Jiaxing University Conference Proceedings (pp. 1-11). Berlin, Germany: Springer-Verlag, 2013
Posted: 16 Oct 2013
Date Written: August 15, 2013
Abstract
Geometry is the most ancient branch of physics. All linearmeasurement is essentially a form of practical geometry. Following Maxwell’s method of drawing analogies from geometry, Rasch conceptualized measurement models as analogous to scientific laws. Rasch likely absorbed Maxwell’s method via close and prolonged interactions with colleagues known for their use of it. Examination of the common form of the relationships posited in the Pythagorean theorem, multiplicative natural laws, and Rasch models leads to a new perspective on the potential unity of science. To be fully realized in the social sciences, Rasch’s measurement ideas need to be dissociated from statistics and IRT, and instead rooted in the Maxwellian sources Rasch actually drew from. Following through on the method of analogy from geometry may make human and social measurement more intuitive and useful.
Keywords: geometry, natural law, history of science, measurement, Rasch models
JEL Classification: B23, B40, C00, C51, N01
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation