Developing indicators: issues in the use of quantitative data about poverty.

Spicker, Paul

Abstract

Indicators are often confused with measures. This article argues that precise measurement is often inappropriate in relation to complex, multidimensional issues such as poverty. A good indicator should be understood as a pointer, not a measure. It should be accessible, robust and reinforced by other pointers. By treating indicators as quantities, summary indices conceal key issues, hide the values and concepts implicit in the exercise, and are vulnerable to mathematical accident. Using multiple indicators is sounder in principle, in methodological terms, and in practical application.

Citation

SPICKER, P. 2004. Developing indicators: issues in the use of quantitative data about poverty. Policy and politics [online], 32(4), pages 431-440. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1332/0305573042009499

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 31, 2004
• Online Publication Date: Oct 31, 2004
• Publication Date: Oct 31, 2004
• Deposit Date: Sep 9, 2013
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 9, 2013
• Journal: Policy and politics
• Print ISSN: 0305-5736
• Electronic ISSN: 1470-8442
• Publisher: Policy Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 32
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 431-440
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1332/0305573042009499
• Keywords: indicators; indices measurement; poverty
• Public URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10059/854