Psychophysiology is concerned with the physiological bases of psychological processes. For example, where psychologists are interested in why we like a certain TV program, physiologists are interested in the input–output of the cardiovascular system. A psychophysiologist attempts to link the two approaches. The study of the interface of mind and body is what makes psychophysiology
Thinking about measurement brings to mind an old adage, “If it exists, it is measurable.” However, in research, we tend to go beyond that adage, saying “If it exists, it must be measurable” (Leedy 1997). Most researchers will likely agree that measurement is a pillar of social and behavioral sciences research (Guilford 1954). What Is
This article covers a number of measurement issues which arise in Health Economics. The first of these arises when economists wish to make comparisons between populations on the basis of some measure of health, h, where hi refers to the value of the health measure for individual i. Such comparisons may be between different populations
In medical decision analysis and economic evaluation of health care, states of illness or disability (hereafter called ‘health states’) are commonly valued on a scale from zero to unity. A value of 0 is assigned to the state of being dead (or a state equivalent to being dead), whereas a value of 1 is assigned
The definition and measurement of risk is controversial and much in debate, with risk assessments made by scientists often differing from those of the lay public. Scientific measurements are based on logic and rationality. They tend to ignore or invalidate lay understandings of risk, not taking into account social, experiential, or perceptual influences. However, sociological
Job satisfaction may be measured for a variety of reasons. For example, a company may measure job satisfaction over time to assess trends in employee attitudes or reactions to a new policy or organizational intervention. Assessing job satisfaction might also serve a diagnostic purpose, identifying those aspects of the job with which employees are dissatisfied.
Measurement scales refer to the types of information provided by numbers. Each scale (i.e., nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio) provides a different type of information. Knowing which scale applies in a particular situation is necessary to accurately interpret numbers assigned to people, objects, or events. Ignorance of scales’ distinguishing characteristics can lead to improper treatment
This article explores the intricate landscape of hostility measurement and assessment within the domain of health psychology. The introduction sets the stage by elucidating the multifaceted nature of hostility and its pivotal role in health outcomes. The conceptualization of hostility is expounded, encompassing various dimensions and theoretical frameworks that underpin its understanding. Subsequently, the article