Measurement: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

Hand, David J.

ISBN 10: 0198779569 / ISBN 13: 9780198779568

Published by OUP Oxford, 2016

Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Grubby book may have mild dirt or some staining, mostly on the edges of pages. Seller Inventory # CHL10335751

Synopsis:

Measurement is a fundamental concept that underpins almost every aspect of the modern world. It is central to the sciences, social sciences, medicine, and economics, but it affects everyday life. We measure everything - from the distance of far-off galaxies to the temperature of the air, levels of risk, political majorities, taxes, blood pressure, IQ, and weight. The history of measurement goes back to the ancient world, and its story has been one of gradual standardization. Today there are different types of measurement, levels of accuracy, and systems of units, applied in different contexts. Measurement involves notions of variability, accuracy, reliability, and error, and challenges such as the measurement of extreme values.

In this Very Short Introduction, David Hand explains the common mathematical framework underlying all measurement, the main approaches to measurement, and the challenges involved. Following a brief historical account of measurement, he discusses measurement as used in the physical sciences and engineering, the life sciences and medicine, the social and behavioural sciences, economics, business, and public policy.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

About the Author: David Hand was Professor of Statistics at the Open University and then at Imperial, until 2012. He is now Emeritus Professor of Mathematics and Senior Research Investigator. He has written 17 books, both academic and more popular. His books include Statistics VSI (OUP, 2008), The Wellbeing of Nations (Wiley, 2014), and most recently, The Improbability Principle (Scientific American, 2014).

Bibliographic Details

Title: Measurement: A Very Short Introduction (Very...
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication Date: 2016
Binding: paperback
Condition: Used; Good