Indicators Definition: Weighting Criteria in Social Indexes

The knowledge of the possible implications of applying a specific method of weight assignment is a fundamental asset for researchers. It is related to their ability to act preventively to avoid incurring methodological errors. Depending on the phenomenon under investigation, the researcher should take the necessary precautions not to alter the validity of the analysis, thus bringing the object of study closer to the tangible reality. If a sample is analyzed, it is necessary to ensure that the theoretical framework of reference is not contradicted because of an unjustified attribution of weights. Researchers should be able to prepare a system of weights suitable for the analysis of a given phenomenon in respect of the differentiated needs of the different social and territorial realities. Assuming that it is not possible to identify a single weighting method that can be adapted to any circumstance, it is necessary for the researchers to identify the optimal weighting solutions, orienting themselves within a complex framework. This article is intended to offer a theoretical reference on the many weighting systems currently identified and accepted by the most authoritative academic literature.