The appeal to robustness in measurement practice. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Basso, Alessandra
• Is Part Of: Studies in history and philosophy of science. Volume 65/66(2017)
• Page Start: 57
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Robustness argument -- Measurement reliability -- Measurement in the social sciences; Science -- History -- Periodicals; Science -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; 509
• DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsa.2017.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0039-3681

Abstract

Abstract: This paper distinguishes between two arguments based on measurement robustness and defends the epistemic value of robustness for the assessment of measurement reliability. I argue that the appeal to measurement robustness in the assessment of measurement is based on a different inferential pattern and is not exposed to the same objections as the no-coincidence argument which is commonly associated with the use of robustness to corroborate individual results. This investigation sheds light on the precise meaning of reliability that emerges from measurement assessment practice. In addition, by arguing that the measurement assessment robustness argument has similar characteristics across the physical, social and behavioural sciences, I defend the idea that there is continuity in the notion of measurement reliability across sciences. Highlights: Robustness has epistemic value for the assessment of measurement reliability. There are analogies between measurement assessment procedures across the sciences. The notion of measurement reliability is continuous across disciplines.