This book aims to address the challenges of defining measurement in social sciences, presenting a conceptualization of the practice of measurement from the perspective of the pragmatic tradition in philosophy. The book reviews key questions regarding the scope and limits of measurement, emphasizing that if the trust that the public places on mea sures in the social sciences relies on their connection to the notion of measurement in the physical sciences, then the clarification of the similarities and differences between measurement in the physical and the social realms is of central importance to adequately contextualize their relative advantages and limitations. It goes on to present some of the most influential theories of measurement such as the "classical view" of measurement, operationalism, and the representational theory of measurement, as well as more methodological perspectives arising from the practice of researchers in the social sciences, such as the latent variable perspective, and from the physical sciences and engineering, represented by metrology. This overview illustrates that the concept of measurement, and that of quantitative methods, is currently being used across the board in ways that do not necessarily conform to traditional, classical definitions of measurement, pushing the boundaries of what constitutes our technical understanding of it. Moreover, what constitutes a technical understanding of measurement, and the theoretical commitments that it entails, must vary in different areas. In this context, disagreement on what is constitutive of measurement is bound to appear. Pragmatism is presented as a theoretical perspective that offers the advantage of being flexible and fallibilist, encouraging us to abandon the pursuit of a timeless and perfect definition that attempts to establish decontextualized/definitive demarcation criteria for what is truly measurement. This book will be of particular interest for psychologists and other human and social scientists, and more concretely for scholars interested in measurement and assessment in psychological and social measurement. The pragmatic perspective of measurement presents a conceptual framework for researchers to ground their assessment practices acknowledging and dealing with the challenges of social measurement.

Snatches of Writing from UnProclaimed Spirits. Writing is not an art requiring special training. Writing is not a science promoted by education and rules of composition. Writing is Awareness Expressed. Writing reveals emotions and spirit and observations in natural flow comfortable to the translator of Messages. We have designated translators of Awareness to be 'authors' while all who are so termed will admit to revelations that transcend their natural abilities. Thus, they are merely transmitting Inspirations which chose these Spirits as Messenger. Kindly treat yourself to the following Snatches offered by UnProclaimed Messengers. Discover your own Awareness. Propel your own words to paper and Bless with Inspiration. Whether publicized or privately enjoyed, allow Writing to become a friend and companion always available when Serenity beckons.

In a futuristic world that seems all too peaceful, Rachel Mercer finally bridges to become an adult. Once trained as a LEO (Law Enforcement Officer), she quickly realizes that things aren't what they seem while being trained at an accelerated rate with the new and curious technology of the A.R.E.S. Things take a turn for the unexpected when an all too mysterious and charming gentleman-David-appears into her life that hides his identity of being a Congressman-to-be from her. But that is only one side of his heavy secret. As trouble catches up, Rachel discovers him to be an Unrestricted-people who she was trained to hate and kill with extreme prejudice-as they flee to the Restricted area for safety where she is then encountered with the choice of joining their cause, or die loyal to her corrupt nation. In an epic journey filled to the brim with suspense, action, and stop-your-heart romance, she is encountered with two choices. To remain loyal to her nation and live happily ever after, blind to all the injustices and corruption around her and lose her chance at love, or become an Unrestricted, opening her heart to David and fight for what she truly believes is right. Once decided, there is no going back.