Distinctions between theoretical variables and empirical measures of these variables

From: jstone@spelman.edu
Date: Fri Aug 30 2002 - 15:51:16 CDT

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    I have a difficult time getting students to see the difference between a
    "theoretical" variable (say the level of punishment) in a crime model and
    an empirical measure of that variable (say median time served). My
    questions are:
    1. Is it possible to make to much of the distinction for teaching purposes?
    2. Given its importance, are there pedagogical materials that can be used
    to explain what I find to be a difficult distinction to make?

    If you wish, you can reply privately.
    Thanks.

    Jack Stone
    jstone@spelman.edu

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