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Measurement: Prototypes and Resemblances

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A Pragmatic Perspective of Measurement

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Abstract

This chapter discusses the tension between narrower and wider definitions of measurement that emerge from the multiple theories and perspectives on the topic. The chapter discusses how the prototype/graded structure research program, and Wittgenstein’s notion of family resemblance, can help us organize and clarify the multiple relations and differences between alternative approaches to characterizing measurement.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    It is important to clarify that I am in no way implying that we can fully examine qualities through quantitative methods nor quantities through qualitative methods. I am simply stating that the use of either methodology is in principle possible and can yield useful outcomes.

  2. 2.

    Or metrological if its practitioners suddenly start advocating for their right to the throne of the kingdom of measurement.

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Torres Irribarra, D. (2021). Measurement: Prototypes and Resemblances. In: A Pragmatic Perspective of Measurement. SpringerBriefs in Psychology(). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-74025-2_3

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