Bias In Research with Human subjects

Question 1

Reliability and Validity

Answer 1

• Reliability: Research consistency and can be used to reproduce similar findings.
• Validity: measurement for accuracy; claims of research are true/valid.
• Projects can be reliable BUT NOT valid

Question 2

Inter-rater reliability

Answer 2

Research consistency deduced when multiple researchers independently interpret data in similar ways.

Question 3

High Internal and External Validity

Answer 3

Internal: highly probable claims and no errors in research design

External: relevant and highly probable claims applicable to other situations

Question 4

Procedural Bias: Sampling, Observer expectancy, Reporting Bias

Answer 4

Procedural Bias: repetitive faulty research methods/ equipment. Low validity, High reliability

• Sampling bias: population does not represent what researcher claims.
• Observer expectancy bias: researcher’s beliefs influence subject behavior
  - Reporting Bias: Suppress information

Question 5

Response bias: recall and social desirability bias

Answer 5

Recall: inaccurately report events from past.

Social desirability: Answer Qs in a way to be viewed as favorable

Question 6

Attribution Bias: Conformation, Fundamental Attribution, and Intellectual / Emotional attribution bias

Answer 6

Magnifying/minimizing portions of data due to researchers subconscious interests/ prejudices

a. Conformation: support info that favors pre-existing beliefs
b. Fundamental attribution: attribute other people’s behavior based on fixed characteristics and your own situational.
c. Intellectual/emotional attribution: own opinion stems from intellect; others emotional.

Question 7

Mediating, Moderating, Confounding Variables

Answer 7

Mediating: “ Node” between IV and DV.

Moderating: Strengthens/ weakens effect on IV and DV.

Confounding: Affects both IV and DV in same direction.

Question 8

Z scores

Answer 8

of standard deviations of a value above the mean.

(Score) - mean / standard deviation

Question 9

Precision vs Accuracy

Answer 9

1. Precision: measurement about spread.
2. Accuracy: measurement about the mean.
   - Low Precision, High Accuracy = random errors.
   - High Precision, Low Accuracy = systematic errors.
3. Imprecise data called “highly variable.”
4. Inaccurate data called “skewed.”