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C. H. Coombs, A Theory of Data. New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1964. Pp. 585 + xviii. $14.95.

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C. H. Coombs, A Theory of Data. New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1964. Pp. 585 + xviii. $14.95.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2025

Claude Flament*
Affiliation:
Centre d'Etudes de Sciences Sociales, Aix-en-Province, France

Abstract

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Type
Book Review
Copyright
Copyright © 1966 Psychometric Society

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References

* I note, however, an important and original contribution to the systematic classification of methods of collecting data utilizing the statistics of information theory, and other contributions relating to the use of many recognized models, the discovery of which delights the expert reader as he goes through the book.

* Coombs apologizes for using weak measurement models, declaring that he is less uneasy with weaker assumptions. For him the arguments in favor of stronger assumptions (for instance, a normal distribution assumption) though being very persuasive do not dispel his persistent uneasiness. This point would deserve a more extensive discussion, bringing in arguments of productiveness, logic, psychology, and perhaps sociology too. Although Coombs’ assumptions may appear weak to a great number of American specialists, they appear strong to a great number of French specialists.