The representational theory of measurement: An assessment.

Abstract

This article assesses the representational theory of measurement, found in mathematical psychology, which construes measurement as the representation of an empirical relational system by a formal mathematical system. To be measurable, a given empirical system must match the characteristics of a formal system, preferably cast in an axiomatic form. This critique argues that representational theory encounters a number of problems as a theory of measurement in natural science. It offers no special advantages as a methodology for social science measurement and needs to be supplemented by construct-related validation procedures