The Practice of Social Research

Chapter Six.  Indexes, Scales, and Typologies

TYPOLOGIES

    Whereas both indexes and scales are intended to represent unidimensional measurements--along a single variable--typologies are multidimensional.

    Consider the following matrix, representing what you like or don't like about this course:
 
 

Homework
   Like Dislike
Readings Like     A    B
  Dislike     C    D

    Two dimensions are represented in this typology: feelings about the readings and about the homework.  Those in cell A like both, those in D, and those in C and D have mixed feelings, as indicated.