Measurement is a fundamental concept central to the sciences, social sciences, medicine, economics, government, and indeed also to everyday life. The history of measurement goes back to the ancient world. Its story has been one of gradual standardization, although different types of measurement, levels of accuracy, and systems of units, apply in different contexts. Measurement: A Very Short Introduction explains the common mathematical framework underlying all measurement, the main approaches to measurement, and the challenges involved. Following a brief historical account of measurement, it discusses measurement as used in the physical sciences and engineering, the life sciences and medicine, the social and behavioural sciences, economics, business, and public policy.

1. A brief history 2. What is measurement? 3. Measurement in the physical sciences and engineering 4. Measurement in the life sciences, medicine, and health 5. Measurement in the behavioural sciences 6. Measurement in the social sciences, economics, business, and public policy 7. Measurement and understanding