EMA1501 Assignment 4 | 2026 Answers Included

Question 1

1.1 Stages in the Development of Measurement

There are four developmental stages in the concept of measurement:

1. Qualitative Stage
   In the first stage, measurements are descriptive and rely on qualitative observations. Objects or events are described without precise numerical values. For example, an object may be described as big or small, heavy or light.
2. Comparative Stage
   In this stage, measurements are made by comparing objects or events. For instance, one might say that an object is twice as long as another or that one event occurred before another.
3. Quantitative Stage
   Numerical values are introduced in this stage, allowing for more precise and accurate comparisons. Standardized units such as inches, kilograms, or seconds are used to measure objects or events.
4. Unified Stage
   In the final stage, measurements are standardized and applied consistently across different fields. For example, time is measured and compared in the same way in physics, biology, and psychology. This ensures consistency and comparability across disciplines.

1.2 Concepts of Time

1. Sequencing of Time
   This refers to organizing events or moments according to their chronological order. It focuses on understanding relationships such as before, after, or simultaneous occurrences.
2. Duration of Time
   Duration refers to the amount of time that passes between two events or moments. It is typically measured in units such as minutes, hours, days, or years.
3. Passage of Time
   This concept refers to time as a continuous flow, without reference to specific events or durations. It emphasizes the idea that time progresses steadily, regardless of how it is measured.

Example – Sequencing of Time:
When describing events in a story, sequencing helps explain the order in which events occur. For example, in Little Red Riding Hood, Red Riding Hood first meets the wolf, then travels to her grandmother’s house, and finally encounters the wolf there.