On Confusing ‘Measure’ with ‘Measurement’ in the Methodology of Behavioral Science

Abstract

Several acceptations of ‘measure’ are distinguished from one another and from ‘measurement’, which denotes an empirical operation. The concept of quantitative measure, or quantity, or magnitude, is elucidated in mathematical terms. It is argued that a scale is involved in every quantity or magnitude. Also, a unit is involved in the very construction of any magnitude endowed with a dimension. The extensive-intensive distinction, misunderstood in much of the literature, is clarified. It is shown that intensive magnitudes are often theoretically more basic than the corresponding extensive quantities. Finally the notions of index or objectifier, and standard (or materialization of a unit) are analyzed. The departures from the standard theory of “measurement” (introduction and clarification of scientific concepts) are pointed out. It is shown that no a priori theory of quantities, independent of natural or social laws, can be adequate, as we should have learned from the non-additivity of mass and entropy for interacting systems.