Measurement in the Social Sciences

It does not matter what discipline we chose measurement is common with the exception of software development. Measurement is the norm in the social sciences including psychology and organizational behavior. Individuals seeking to become a licensed clinical therapist or psychologist are required to take a full year of statistics and research methods. Counseling psychologists hold the belief that knowledge on which to base a profession that aims to facilitate growth and positive change in clients must be based as much as possible on the scientific method. The same holds true for software development. If it is hoped to facilitate growth and positive change within the software development process, then knowledge needs to be based upon the scientific method as much as possible. It needs to be based upon systematic study and measurement.

Researchers in the field of organizational behavior are grounded in measurement and systematic study, too. Their research is based upon rigorous quantitative and qualitative methods. Those seeking to get a PhD in Management and Organizational Behavior are required to take three full years of statistics, quantitative analysis, and research methods. The journals of the Academy of Management are full of articles with measurements. It is worth noting that most MBA programs stress quantitative skills.

It really does not matter which discipline are being discussed; measurement is a fundamental part of every discipline. Systematic study, the scientific method, is what separates voodoo from science.