Editorial
Moving Targets: The Dynamic Nature and Imperfect Measurement of Social Constructs
American journal of public health (1971), v 115(1), pp 12-14
Jan 2025
PMID: 39509678
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
The research by Kahnetal in the December 2024 issue of AJPH highlights a fundamental truth in survey research that extends beyond their investigation of sexual orientation measurement to all of measurement, and in particular demography: when questions delve into self-perception (e.g., “How do you think about yourself?”), response options must accurately mirror how people perceive themselves. This ensures that data reflect reality, not researcher assumptions or unproven theories. Moreover, the purpose of collecting such data should extend beyond mere statistics: it must be able to guide public health strategies and interventions. These considerations need to be at the forefront when creating and selecting measures, not just in the case of sexual orientation but for all demographic measures. Furthermore, it is essential to recognize that most of these constructs are not static but moving targets that evolve over time. [1st paragraph]
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Details
- Title
- Moving Targets: The Dynamic Nature and Imperfect Measurement of Social Constructs
- Creators
- Randall L Sell - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- American journal of public health (1971), v 115(1), pp 12-14
- Publisher
- AMER PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOC INC
- Number of pages
- 3
- Resource Type
- Editorial
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Community Health and Prevention
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001390943300004
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85211228800
- Other Identifier
- 991021985102704721
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- Web of Science research areas
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health