Errors of Measurement: Attenuation

The most common or frequent error of measurement occurs as a result of attenuation of measurement. Essentially, attenuated measurement takes place when the reliability of a measure is less than perfect. A perfect reliability would be a value of [Page 430]1.00, indicating that no matter how many times something is measured (assuming no change), the same value becomes indicated. Few, if any, measurements ever achieve that outcome. Probably, the only measure that possesses the potential for coming close represents a self-report of biological gender. Even then, error of recording and gender identification disorder (transgender) create the potential for values to change, even if rarely. Most measurement errors due to attenuation take place on a routine basis, particularly for self-report scales measuring attitudes or ...