Hi, Mustafa!
Sometimes, these concepts are used interchangeably. However, it is possible to make some differences with regarding to (2) the type of psychological attributes and (2) broadness of the instrument. First of all, generally, the measure is used to refers to any procedure aiming obtain data into rating or ranking in psychology and related fields. Test, appropriately, shoud be an instrument based on competence, i.e. it reflects the ability to present a correct answer to a specific item/question. Scale is commonly used with respect to attitudes or constructs for which there is not a correct response, but demands endorsing of an alternative among the presented. Inventory is more often used to measure personality traits and vocational tendencies, for instance. They do not demand a correct answer, but the indication of which option is more adequate to characterizing the individual with regarding to a specific statement. Finally, questionnaire is a broad concept. It can includes a set of different instrument types (e.g., scales, inventories). I hope these information to be useful for you.
Regards, Valdiney Gouveia.
Hi Prof,
It is really useful and i think I am able to differentiate between them confidently. If it is then, I am going to develop new inventory which means personality traits represent for characterizing the individual, lets say my study is religious identity. Actually I am interested to call my study ``scale`` rather than ``inventory` sounds more scientific means that requires more statistical analysis or more works after that due to validation study.
Hi Mustafa,
As I know the inventory can measure the severity of a symptom. So you can use of " inventory" term if you use of severity such as severe, moderare, mild,....
Hi Mustafa,
Just like a test, a scale is a measure of the extent to which a variable of interest exists in a population of interest (i.e respondents) but unlike a test, a scale is usually applied to measurement of variables whose existence cannot be assessed by a single question or item; a scale therefore comprises a group of items that are seek to measure one dimension of the variable of interest.
I view a questionnaire a vehicle via which a test or a scale could be used to measure a variable; a questionnaire is wider in its perspective and usually contains items that are not directly concerned with measurement of the variable of interest (for example biodata),
The topic is confusing especially because some authors use the terms interchangeably while others make a distinction between them. I like to believe that they differ to some extent and i hope my little contribution has not added to the confusion.
You may find the following reference useful.
Frankfort-Nachmias, C., & Nachmias, D. (2008). Research methods in the social sciences (7th ed.). New York: Worth
Aisha
Dear Commentators, Thank you all for your very insightful comments when I am at a loss with my Masters Degree.
Here is link to similar question... hope it is useful.
https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_are_the_clear_cut_differences_between_Test_Measure_Scale_Inventory_Questionnaire_etc/1
Hi,
THANK YOU FOR THE LEARNING THAT HAS BEEN TAKING PLACE THROUGH FOLLOWING YOUR DISCUSSIONS. I AM GRATEFUL AND I APPRECIATE
Dear
I think this link may be helpful
https://www.quora.com/Difference-between-measurements-scales-and-questionnaire-in-psychology
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