- Level Foundation
- Course by Johns Hopkins University
-
Offered by
About
This course provides a framework for how analysts can create and evaluate quantitative measures. Consider the many tricky concepts that are often of interest to analysts, such as health, educational attainment and trust in government. This course will explore various approaches for quantifying these concepts. The course begins with an overview of the different levels of measurement and ways to transform variables. We’ll then discuss how to construct and build a measurement model. We’ll next examine surveys, as they are one of the most frequently used measurement tools. As part of this discussion, we’ll cover survey sampling, design and evaluation. Lastly, we’ll consider different ways to judge the quality of a measure, such as by its level of reliability or validity. By the end of this course, you should be able to develop and critically assess measures for concepts worth study. After all, a good analysis is built on good measures.Modules
Welcome Video
1
Videos
- Welcome to the Course!
Levels of Measurement
1
Assignment
- Levels of Measurement Practice Problems
1
Videos
- Levels of Measurement
2
Readings
- Levels of Measurement
- Frequency, Frequency Tables, and Levels of Measurement
Transforming Variables
1
Assignment
- Transforming Variables Practice Problems
1
Videos
- Transforming Variables
1
Readings
- When and Why to Standardize Your Data
Unit of Analysis
1
Assignment
- Unit of Analysis Practice Problems
1
Videos
- Unit of Analysis
2
Readings
- Unit of Analysis
- Unit of Analysis and Unit of Observation
Final Assessment on the Fundamentals of Measurement
1
Assignment
- Final Quiz on the Fundamentals of Measurement
Conceptual Definitions
1
Assignment
- Conceptual Definition Practice Problems
1
Videos
- Conceptual Definitions
1
Readings
- Defining and Measuring Concepts
Operational Definitions
1
Assignment
- Operational Definition Practice Problems
1
Videos
- Operational Definitions
1
Readings
- Models of Measurement and Their Implications
Measurement Models
1
Assignment
- Measurement Model Practice Problems
1
Videos
- Measurement Models
3
Readings
- Report by the Commission on the Measurement of Economic Performance and Social Progress
- Varieties of Democracy Methodology
- Analyzing Roll Calls with Perfect Spatial Voting
Final Assessment on Measurement Models
1
Assignment
- Final Quiz on Measurement Models
Survey Sampling
1
Assignment
- Survey Sampling Practice Problems
1
Videos
- Survey Sampling
1
Readings
- Simple Random Sample
Survey Design
1
Assignment
- Survey Design Practice Problems
3
Videos
- Question Wording
- Response Categories
- Question Order
1
Readings
- Questionnaire Design
Survey Evaluation
1
Assignment
- Survey Evaluation Practice Problems
1
Videos
- Survey Evaluation
2
Readings
- Questionnaire Pretest Procedures
- Cognitive Interviewing
Final Assessment on Survey Research
1
Assignment
- Final Quiz on Survey Research
Measurement Error
1
Assignment
- Measurement Error Practice Problems
1
Videos
- Measurement Error
1
Readings
- Measurement Error
Reliability
1
Assignment
- Reliability Practice Problems
1
Videos
- Reliability
2
Readings
- Reliability and Validity of Measurement
- Understanding Test Quality - Concepts of Reliability and Validity
Validity
1
Assignment
- Validity Practice Problems
1
Videos
- Validity
1
Readings
- Validity of Measures is No Simple Matter
Final Assessment on Evaluating Measurement Models
1
Assignment
- Final Quiz on Evaluating Measurement Models
Auto Summary
Embark on a journey to master the art of transforming abstract concepts into quantifiable data with the "Measurement – Turning Concepts into Data" course. Perfect for those interested in Data Science and AI, this foundational course is designed to equip analysts with the skills to create and evaluate quantitative measures of complex ideas like health, educational attainment, and trust in government. Guided by expert instructors from Coursera, you'll start with the basics of measurement levels and variable transformation. Progressing through the course, you'll learn to construct and build robust measurement models, delve into the intricacies of survey design, sampling, and evaluation, and ultimately judge the quality of your measures based on reliability and validity. With flexible subscription options including Starter and Professional plans, this course caters to both beginners and those looking to solidify their foundational knowledge. By the end, you'll be adept at developing and critically assessing measures, ensuring that your analyses are built on a solid foundation of accurate and reliable data. Join now and start your journey towards becoming a proficient data analyst!

Jennifer Bachner, PhD