Research Tips

Changing Something by Measuring It

It’s important to consider how measuring something could change whatever it is that is being measured. Generally speaking, researchers try to measure things without changing whatever it is that they are trying to measure, but there are situations in which changes do occur and often they are unintentional. There is a lot of evidence to suggest that merely paying more attention to something can change attitudes toward that thing, and many research methods do result in people paying greater attention to whatever is being measured than they otherwise might. Also, research methods that are perceived as particularly intrusive or ill-conceived may harm attitudes toward the organization on whose behalf the research is being conducted. Occasionally, research is specifically designed to change attitudes for the better, but any change resulting from the research process itself (as opposed to actions taken based upon the conclusions from the research) should be planned, or at least anticipated, rather than accidental.