Path-Dependence in Measurement: A Problem for Coherentism

Abstract Racial discrimination is a multi-dimensional concept. Yet, subjective measures of racial discrimination focus on particular dimensions (interpersonal over institutional, attributable over ambiguously attributable). I argue that there is path dependence in the development and validation of subjective measures, such that existing scales prevent the development of scales that are better for some purpose. Path dependence can occur when researchers: (1) adopt a coherentist view of measurement, namely, in iteratively refining constructs and measures and (2) employ current psychometric validation practices. The main take-away is that norms are needed to evaluate the initial refinement of the construct rather than taking it for granted.