Measurement is a fundamental concept that underpins almost every aspect of the modern world It is central to the sciences social sciences medicine & economics but it affects everyday life We measure everything
- from the distance of far-off galaxies to the temperature of the air levels of risk political majorities taxes blood pressure IQ & weight The history of measurement goes back to the ancient world & its story has been one of gradual standardization Today there are different types of measurement levels of accuracy & systems of units applied in different contexts Measurement involves notions of variability accuracy reliability & error & challenges such as the measurement of extreme values In this Very Short Introduction David Hand explains the common mathematical framework underlying all measurement the main approaches to measurement & the challenges involved Following a brief historical account of measurement he discusses measurement as used in the physical sciences & engineering the life sciences & medicine the social & behavioural sciences economics business & public policy ABOUT THE SERIES The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly Our expert authors combine facts analysis perspective new ideas & enthusiasm to make interesting & challenging topics highly readable