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Measurement in Murky Waters: Mapping the Complexity of Upstream Methodological Factors

2026/07/23 by Vadim Keyser
Physics and Astronomy · Medicine · #Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life #Planetary Science and Exploration #Spaceflight effects on biology

paper · pdf · doi:10.1017/psa.2026.10265

Abstract

Abstract By detailing a long-disputed measurement application from astrobiology, I analyze the relations between theoretical assumptions, research questions, measurement procedures, manufactured effects, and genuine phenomena in measurement robustness (MR). First, I present a problem about measurement standards in MR. Second, I show that the resolution to this problem requires extending MR beyond results and procedures to include: how discipline specific assumptions moderate measurement standards and research questions; as well as how those assumptions influence the manipulation of measurement conditions, which can result in artifact production, genuine effect destruction, or the creation of instructive effects.

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