Who is the proponent of the Method of Successive Intervals?
Detailed Explanation & Solution
📌 Core Theoretical Concept:
The Method of Successive Intervals was propounded by L. L. Thurstone and E. J. Chave. This psychophysical scaling technique was primarily developed to measure psychological constructs, attitudes, values, and the intensity of subjective opinions in educational and psychological research. Thurstone utilized this method extensively in constructing attitude scales where statements are ordered along a psychological continuum divided into equal-appearing intervals. This technique strengthens quantitative and statistical analysis in behavioral sciences.
📊 Key Exam Points:
- Thurstone and Chave introduced this methodology in their pioneering 1929 work titled 'The Measurement of Attitude'.
- The technique is an extension of Thurstone's Law of Comparative Judgment, helping convert qualitative subjective judgments into quantitative scale values.
- Option (b) Stern and Johnson, (c) Spearman (known for the Two-Factor Theory of Intelligence), and (d) Jean Piaget (known for Cognitive Development) are unrelated to this specific method.
📖 Theoretical Reference: In educational psychology, measurement and evaluation form the backbone of empirical research. Understanding scaling techniques connects directly with concepts found in psychological testing and assessment.