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Suppose you are planning a study that involves 'everyday measurement' to assess the breadth or 'extensivity' of an individual's social network. Briefly describe one methodical procedure you could implement to assign a representative score to this characteristic without relying on a specialized physical tool.
Question: Suppose you are planning a study that involves 'everyday measurement' to assess the breadth or 'extensivity' of an individual's social network. Briefly describe one methodical procedure you could implement to assign a representative score to this characteristic without relying on a specialized physical tool.
Sample answer: A researcher could systematically assign a score by asking participants to log into their primary social media account and counting the total number of unique mutual connections they have. This methodical procedure yields a numeric score for mutual connections on that platform, a limited operational indicator that does not by itself establish coverage of the individual's broader social network, including informal ties outside the platform and formal memberships. Interpreting it as broader extensivity requires evidence that it covers the defined construct (BCcampus, Reliability and Validity of Measurement).
Key points:
- Describes a clear, systematic procedure for assigning a score.
- The procedure systematically captures platform-specific mutual connections; representing broader social-network extensivity requires evidence of adequate coverage of the defined construct.
- The method does not rely on a specialized physical measurement instrument.
- The response is concise and practical for everyday measurement.
Rubric: Full credit requires a brief (one to three sentences) description of a realistic, systematic procedure (e.g., counting, categorizing, or logging) that assigns scores intended to represent a clearly stated scope of social-network extensivity without using physical instruments. A single-platform count should be identified as a limited indicator; interpreting it as overall network extensivity requires evidence of coverage of the defined construct.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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Suppose you are planning a study that involves 'everyday measurement' to assess the breadth or 'extensivity' of an individual's social network. Briefly describe one methodical procedure you could implement to assign a representative score to this characteristic without relying on a specialized physical tool.