SELECTING PERFORMANCE-MEASURES - OBJECTIVE VERSUS SUBJECTIVE MEASUREMENT

The distinction between "objective" and "subjective" measurement is neither meaningful nor useful in human performance studies. All measurement in science and technology is necessarily filled with subjective elements, whether in selecting measures or in collecting, analyzing, or interpreting data. Empirical examples taken from several domains related to human factors show instances in which self-report (subjective) measures may be essential. A model process is suggested for selecting performance measures.