Data Theory and Dimensional Analysis (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences)

By examining some of the basic scaling questions, such as the importance of measurement levels, the kinds of variables needed for Likert or Guttman scales and when to use multidimensional scaling versus factor analysis, Jacoby introduces readers to the most appropriate scaling strategies for different research situations. He also explores data theory, the study of how real world observations can be transformed into something to be analyzed, in order to facilitate more effective use of scaling techniques.