The two most important terms in analysis are measurement and evaluation. Both these terms have monumental value in all platforms from business to academic where determining performance or differences play pivotal roles. Although often perceived as the same, measurement and evaluation are far from alike. While one is prized for calculations another is valued for performance analysis.
Measurement vs Evaluation
The main difference between measurement and evaluation is that measurement is quantitative whereas evaluation is qualitative. Another difference between the two is measurement is an objective degree while evaluation is subjective.
Measurement involves specifications whereas evaluation is relative to something that is considered as standard. While measurements only determine that magnitude of a difference evaluation adds value to that difference. However, measurement provides the data and the basis for evaluation.
Another way to state the difference between measurement and evaluation is to say measurement is scientific in nature whereas Evaluation is philosophical. Measurement involves determining difference in terms of numbers while evaluation is a more personal form of judgment. Evaluation adds value to the mere numerical data provided by measurements.
Comparison Table Between Measurement and Evaluation
| Parameter of Comparison | Measurement | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Judgment | Measurement is Objective | Evaluation is Subjective |
| Use of Number | Provides numerical data | Uses numerical data to provide value added results |
| Nature | Scientific in nature | Philosophical in nature |
| Form of Data | Quantitative form of data | Qualitative form of data |
| Results represent | Magnitude of variant | Value of the magnitude |
What is Measurement?
Measurements are quantitative form of judgments that provides numerical data for results. They are subjective and are specific in nature. They are mostly used for as means of data collection and provide the basis for further analysis.
Measurements are mostly magnitude of height, weight, length, breadth, circumference, etc, whose units can be determined by specific numbers. Measurements are usually followed by units that define what the number denotes.
From economy to architecture, military to astronomy, measurements that provide numerical data are pivotal to every profession. Measurements although priceless to human existence in the twenty first century are only objective means of determining the worth. They are a form of scientific judgment that is specific in nature.
Measurements are used for data collection determining the size, amount or quantity by a numeric figure. This is thus helpful in determining performance where objective evaluation is the focus such as a score in an exam, time difference between two countries or the amount of money in a bank account.
Measurement is also useful in tests such as personality tests, testing one’s intelligence quotient or average score in a game.
What is Evaluation?
Evaluation is an objective testing tool. This is mostly used in determining the qualitative measure of a performance and is deemed as a personal testing scale. Evaluation is relative and it adds value judgment to a numerical variant. Evaluation results usually do not carry any unit and are used to determine performance which could be relative to a standard or based on past performance results.
Evaluation is has an emotional factor attached and is not always specific. They are deemed to be philosophical. Evaluation can be put to use for measuring one’s behavior and considers genetic factors, likes and dislikes, inclinations and biological patterns, etc, to determine the result.
Evaluation is comprehensive where all the numerical data from measurement is interpreted into descriptive results. Evaluation incorporates a number of techniques that trained personals use to determine value added results.
Unlike measurement, an evaluation measures a pupils true worth where the skills and achievements are judged based on aforementioned objectives. Evaluation is not just assigning some scores or average marks but interpreting these numbers to determine a student’s genuine worth.
Evaluation is an efficient tool to measure ones mental abilities, ideas, outlook and frame of mind, habits and conduct. Evaluation can determine the qualities as a whole and interpret their results and scope for improvement.
Main Differences Between Measurement and Evaluation
- The main difference between measurement and evaluation is that measurement is a quantitative value whereas evaluation is a qualitative description.
- Another difference between the two is measurement is an objective form of measure while evaluation is a subjective form.
- Measurement involves specifications whereas evaluation is relative to something that is considered as standard. The standard for evaluation may vary from person to person.
- The difference between measurement and evaluation is that measurement is scientific in nature whereas Evaluation is philosophical.
- Measurement involves determining difference in terms of numbers while evaluation adds value to the mere numerical data provided by measurements.
- Measurement is useful in determining personality tests, testing one’s intelligence quotient or average score in a game whereas Evaluation measures ones mental abilities, ideas, outlook and frame of mind, habits and conduct.
Conclusion
Measurement and Evaluation are both pivotal to research, be it human oriented or scientific. However evaluation supersedes measurement in the sense that evaluation requires more technical expertise whereas measurement does not have such requirement.
The main difference between measurement and evaluation is that measurement is quantitative while evaluation is qualitative. Also measurement is an objective description whereas evaluation is subjective and personal.
Another crucial difference between the two is that measurement only provides numerical data whereas evaluation with value judgment of this data provides a comprehensive result. Evaluation is interpreting the numerical data to determine its value.
For example, measurements determine performance where objective evaluation is the focus such as a score in an exam, time difference between two countries or the amount of money in a bank account whereas evaluation measures a pupils true worth where the skills and achievements are judged based on objective results.
Measurements are mostly used as means of data collection and provide the basis for further analysis whereas evaluation can determine the qualities as a whole and interpret the results and scope for improvement.
References
- https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1984-10995-001
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/j.1556-6676.1992.tb01631.x