Measurement instruments for quantitative research on human trafficking

Measurement and Instruments for a Quantitative Research Plan: Human Trafficking

For a study into human trafficking and how many people end up being trafficked every year, quantitative measurement is necessary. Qualitative methods could be used, but they would be better suited toward providing insight into the feelings of those who were trafficked, as opposed to the prevalence of the trafficking problem itself (Creswell, 2003; Given, 2008). Since there are several options and ways this issue can be measured, it is important to decide not only what type of measuring instrument will be used but the level of measurement that is really important for the study (Bales, 2004).

Human trafficking can be very difficult to measure, based on the secretive nature of much of it and the unwillingness of traffickers (and many victims) to talk about the issue (Bales, 2004; Berger, 2012). However, that does not mean there is no way to get information about trafficking or that there have not been studies done that have collected statistical information on human trafficking (Kara, 2009; Rao & Presenti, 2012; Smith, 2011; Wortley, Fischer, & Webster, 2002; Rafferty, 2007). Additionally, the feelings of others when it comes to what they think about trafficking and how much they know about it can also be a highly valuable area of study. If not enough is known about human trafficking, it can be very difficult for anything to get done that would help stop the trafficking from taking place.

Level of Measurement

For this study, the level of measurement that is important and necessary will be based on the studies that have been done in the past and what can be discovered by surveying people regarding their knowledge of trafficking. In other words, a researcher can use past studies to determine what level of measurement has been addressed by other researchers, so he can focus on what is realistic and reasonable for the current study that will be undertaken (Creswell, 2003). This study needs to measure the number of people who are taken by traffickers every year, but it is much more realistic to break that down into categories.

These can be based on countries or on characteristics of the trafficked individuals (i.e. women, children, etc.). Either way will work, and either way could provide a valid study. Attempting to do too much often does not work well, because it becomes too complex. If the researcher keeps the level of measurement to a designation by individual or by country, it should not become too complex or detailed to get good information and draw appropriate conclusions. Depending on the way the information is being stored and correlated (by hand, software, etc.), it may be possible to divide by individual and by country. An interval level of measurement will be sufficient and acceptable for this particular type of study.

Empirical Validity

Empirical validity for this study is also uncomplicated. Since the study is using the work of others and data collected by the researcher, and since the study will examine and correlate that information using SPSS software, there is no concern that the study may not measure things accurately. Using software such as SPSS is one of the safest and most reliable ways to handle the data. This is because there is less error that can take place, making things easier for the researcher and also for the readers of the study. While it is possible that the study could have trouble because of an input error by the researcher, it is not possible for the researcher to make an incorrect calculation. The calculations are all done by the software, which has empirical validity. However, there could still be errors with the study based on what the researcher collects and how he inputs and uses that information (Creswell, 2003; Given, 2008).

Construct Validity

In order for the study to have construct validity, the tools and measurement techniques have to represent or measure what is actually being investigated by the researcher (Creswell, 2003; Hunter & Leahey, 2008). In this case that is not a problem, because the study is designed to measure human trafficking. By taking information from other studies that have done the same (and that have been considered to be valid by peers), and using that information through SPSS software to analyze the number of humans trafficked, the study accurately measures what the researcher is investigating. Age, gender, and other characteristics are part of the equation, as are the countries where trafficking is seen to be the most common and where further issues continue to arise when it comes to how many people are trafficked and how high the risks are for this activity to take place (Kara, 2009; Smith, 2011; Wortley, Fischer, & Webster, 2002; Rafferty, 2007). Additionally, the study will look at what people know about human trafficking, and that information will also be put through SPSS software.

Measurement Reliability

The reliability of a measurement tool or technique is highly important when it comes to conducting a study (Creswell, 2003). In this case, the use of SPSS software is considered to be one of the most reliable methods of analyzing information. Since it is not possible for the software to make a mistake, the risk of error is greatly reduced. It is vital that any tool used for measurement is reliable when it comes to scientific study, or the entire study could be considered invalid when reviewed by peers in the field (Creswell, 2003). Clearly, researchers do not want to have their studies discounted. Often, a great deal of time and effort is put into the creation and completion of a study, and getting it published in a peer-reviewed journal is significant to the researcher on many levels. In order to do that, though, the way the information is measured has to be very reliable and acceptable as a proper method for measurement of that information (Given, 2008). Choosing improper methods can damage the credibility of the researcher, and the study itself.

Strengths of the Measurement Instrument

The main strength of using SPSS software to measure information on human trafficking is the way software cannot make errors in the same way humans do. There will not be a miscalculation, and peers cannot argue that the researcher manipulated the data by doing calculations incorrectly or only on parts of the information given. As long as all of the information collected was input into the software, the calculations will be valid and accurate for the study.

Limitations of the Measurement Instrument

Any measurement instrument has limitations, however, and this is true of the SPSS software. The main issue is that there is no room for interpretation. Only objectivity can be provided. This is a good thing in many cases, but for a study that addresses something as sensitive as human trafficking there may be more questions than answers with this method. The why's and how's of the issue are not explored, and the computer program will only provide mathematical data that does not lend itself to any information about the experience itself. That can be what the researcher is looking for from a quantitative standpoint, but delving deeper into the issue is not something SPSS will be able to be used for. That could leave the study falling a bit flat.

The Scale Used

For this study, a Likert scale will be used. This kind of scale is based on the "agree or disagree" method of asking questions (Trochim, 2006). Often, there are five separate