A structural framework across strongly and weakly defined measurements

Abstract

Is there a framework common to measurement across broad domains of application, including both physical and social science measurement? The answer to this question would determine to an important extent the possibility of building a shared measurement-related body of knowledge across many traditionally separate domains. In this paper, we outline a structural framework of the processes involved in the construction and use of measurement that includes instrument design, standard/reference selection, instrument calibration, measurand definition, and ultimately, instrument operation and data processing.