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Finding good indicators

An indicator is specified, not named. 'Depression' is not an indicator; a score above a stated cut-off on a stated instrument, in a stated population, over a stated recall period, is. DREAMY is a checklist for judging one: direct, replicable, economical, adequate, measurable, and yours to influence. Some constructs cannot be asked about at all — people do not answer questions about their own corruption honestly, so you measure the road instead, digging it up to see whether the materials billed for are actually in it.

Also covered: DREAMY · operationalization · specifying an indicator · unobtrusive measures