What is second order instrument?

A second-order instrument measures a construct by comparing it to two or more other constructs. This allows for a more reliable and valid measurement, as the instrument is not just relying on one construct to make a judgment. For example, a second-order instrument might measure job satisfaction by comparing it to job enjoyment, work-life balance, and stress levels. This allows the instrument to capture a more comprehensive understanding of job satisfaction.

Second-order instruments are often used in research to measure constructs that are difficult to define or measure directly. For example, it might be difficult to directly measure job satisfaction, as there is no one single definition of what job satisfaction is. However, by comparing job satisfaction to other related constructs, researchers can get a better understanding of what it is and how it can be measured.

Second-order instruments are a powerful tool for measuring constructs in a reliable and valid way. They can be used in research to gain a better understanding of complex constructs and to develop new instruments for measuring those constructs.