What is the main goal of measurement in research?

The main goal of measurement in research is to ensure the validity of the measurements taken. Validity refers to the degree to which a tool or method accurately measures what it is intended to measure. In research, establishing validity is essential because it determines whether the conclusions drawn from the measurements are well-founded and applicable to the research question. Valid measures ensure that the findings reflect the true characteristics of the phenomenon being studied, rather than being influenced by unrelated factors.

While reliability, replicability, and objectivity are also important aspects of measurement, they serve different purposes. Reliability focuses on the consistency of the measurement results, meaning if the measurement were repeated, it would yield the same outcomes. Replicability emphasizes that research findings can be repeated and yield similar results under the same conditions, while objectivity ensures that the measurement process is free from personal biases. Each of these aspects supports research validity, but validity ultimately defines the core goal of measurement, as it directly relates to the accuracy and truthfulness of the research findings.