Unit VI Mini Project

Using the best scale of measurement enable the researcher to organize the available data  for the best outcome (Jones & Sumner, 2009). It is the process of ordering or measuring the variables in reference to their qualitative characteristics. There are various scaling methods, namely, the composite scale score and the summated scale score. The method chosen for a certain research activity depends on the nature of the data set and the overall goals of the analysis.

 Scale Score

            The summated scale score will be used in the research about the age of employers and the consequential motivation level of their employees. The choice is informed by the fact that it is one of most widely used methods when it comes to the assessment of the physical and abstract characteristics of people, such as attitudes, perceptions, thoughts, feelings, emotions, personality, beliefs. The Likert scale is a typical example of the summated scale score, where there are two or more items to be  measured (Goulding, 2009). Other significant qualities include a rating scale format for each item. Thirdly, the researcher must employ the scale in the measurement of a quantifiable underlying measurement. One attribute that makes the summated scale score desirable is its quality of providing the best degree of reliability.

            Secondly, the composite scale score is applicable when the researcher is interested in measuring data that is based on multiple items. As such, it is not applicable in the Unit VI Mini Project. One common application is the Intelligence Quotient test that produces a single score acquired from a series of responses from the participants. In order to get the best results, all the indicators ought to be independent to one another, and should be proficient in the prediction of other variable indicators contained in the model. The scale is not conducive because the research does not reflect any upshot variables (Goulding, 2009).

Ethical Dilemmas

            Ethics refer to a set of conducts that determines what is acceptable or unacceptable behavior in the course of collecting data for a certain research problem. Various government agencies, professional associations, education institutions, and universities have specific codes, policies, and rules that relate to research ethics. Care must be taken to ensure adherence to the slightest ethical provision in order to enhance the validity of the study. In addition, a set of ethical values ought to be developed, such as honesty, integrity, objectivity, openness, respect of intellectual property, confidentiality, and others.

            The possible ethical concerns that the Unit VI Mini Project is likely o encounter include matter that directly affect the participants. The coordinator ought to get their free consent for participating and voluntary disclosure of information. Those employees who are unwilling to participate should not be intimidated or their job security jeopardized. The willing ones should receive every information, including the goals and objectives of the research and what is expected of them (Jones & Sumner, 2009).

Another important ethical concern includes the legality of the research. All care must be taken to ensure that no law provision is dishonored while constructing the research design. The participants should also be protected against extreme demands, such as removing blood and saliva samples, unless it is a medical survey with full government sanctioning.

Conclusion

            The summated scale score is the best in handling abstract surveys that involve human behavior and patterns in the human resource. In addition, it has a high level of reliability, ensuring an error free outcome. Before commencing on the data collection process, the researcher should consider ethical issues and strive to ensure that it is free from controversies related to unethical practices (Jones & Sumner, 2009).

References

Jones, N., & Sumner, A. (2009). Does mixed methods research matter to understanding childhood well-being? Social Indicators Research, 90(1), 33-50.

Goulding, C. (2009). Consumer Research, Interpretive Paradigms And Methodological Ambiguities. European Journal of Marketing, 33(9), 859-873. Retrieved from