Chapter 3: Three Claims, Four Validities; Interrogation Tools for Consumers of Research

Question 1

Variable

Answer 1

Something that varies and has at least two levels/ values
a core unit of psychological research

Question 2

Constant

Answer 2

In a study, has one level; however, can potentially vary

Question 3

Manipulated Variable

Answer 3

The variable that is assigned levels by the researcher
Some variables cannot be manipulated, and can only be measured

Question 4

Measured Variable

Answer 4

A variable in a study that has values and levels observed and recorded
Some variables cannot be manipulated, and can only be measured

Question 5

Construct/ Conceptual Variable

Answer 5

The variable of interest; is stated in an abstract or conversational level

Question 6

Operational Variables/ Definitions

Answer 6

the specific means of concept of interest is measured as a variable in a study (aka. operationalization)

Question 7

Claim

Answer 7

The argument someone is trying to make

Question 8

The Three Claims

Answer 8

Frequency, Association, Causal

Question 9

Frequency Claim

Answer 9

• Particular rate or degree of a variable
• Often has a number in it
• One variable at a time

Question 10

Association Claim

Answer 10

The levels of the variable are likely to be associated with the levels of another variable
*levels are correlationary; meaning they vary symmetrically *

Question 11

Correlational Study

Answer 11

When the relationship between variables is tested

Question 12

Positive Association

Answer 12

High Levels with High, Low with Low of Variable
*appears to have a positive slope/trend on a graph *

Question 13

Negative Association

Answer 13

High with low, Low with High levels of variables
Appears to have negative slope/ trend on graph

Question 14

Zero Association

Answer 14

No levels correlate
confetti, its all over the place on a graph

Question 15

Causal Claims

Answer 15

Specific changes in one variable are responsible for influencing the change in another variable
- direct causation is suggested using more direct verbiage

Question 16

Validity

Answer 16

Appropriateness of a conclusion of decision

Question 17

Construct Validity

Answer 17

Indication of how well a variable was measured or manipulated in a study
must establish each variable was measured reliably and dif levels of variables are corresponding to true differences

Question 18

Generalization

Answer 18

The extent to which subject in study represent the intended population
Questions external validity

Question 19

Statistical Validity

Answer 19

The extent to which statistical conclusions derived from a study are accurate and resonable

Question 20

Point Estimate

Answer 20

Single Estimate of some populational value based on a data sample (usually a percentage)
we use to evaluate statistical validity

Question 21

External Validity

Answer 21

The extent to which the results generalize to some larger population

Question 22

Internal Validity

Answer 22

The relationship between one variable and another, and the extent to which A causes B, rather than how C is/ is also responsible

Question 23

Criteria for Causation

Answer 23

• How we justify a Causal Claim
  1. Covariance: the extent to which two variables observed go together
  2. Temporal Precedence: casual variable comes first in time
  3. Internal Validity