Chapter 4_Psychological Measurement

Question 1

Measurement

Answer 1

The assignment of scores to individuals so that the scores represent some characteristic of the individuals.

Question 2

Psychometrics

Answer 2

The field of study concerned with the theory and technique of psychological measurement, including the measurement of knowledge, abilities, attitudes, and personality traits.

Question 3

Variable

Answer 3

Any characteristic or condition that can vary or be manipulated, controlled, or measured in research.

Question 4

Psychological Constructs

Answer 4

Abstract variables that represent behavioral tendencies or internal processes, like intelligence or anxiety, which cannot be directly observed.

Question 5

Conceptual Definition

Answer 5

A definition that describes the behaviors and internal processes that make up a psychological construct, along with how it relates to other variables.

Question 6

Operational Definition

Answer 6

A definition of a variable in terms of how it is precisely measured, such as using self-reports, behavioral observations, or physiological measurements.

Question 7

Self-Report Measures

Answer 7

Measures in which participants provide information about themselves, typically through questionnaires or interviews.

Question 8

Behavioral Measures

Answer 8

Measures that involve observing and recording behavior, either in structured tasks or in natural settings.

Question 9

Physiological Measures

Answer 9

Measures that involve recording physiological processes, such as heart rate, hormone levels, or brain activity.

Question 10

Converging Operations

Answer 10

The use of multiple operational definitions to measure the same construct, providing evidence that the construct is being measured effectively.

Question 11

Levels of Measurement

Answer 11

Four categories (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio) that specify the types of information scores can have and the types of statistical procedures to use.

Question 12

Nominal Level

Answer 12

A level of measurement used for categorical variables, involving scores that are labels for different categories without any quantitative meaning.

Question 13

Ordinal Level

Answer 13

A level of measurement that involves scores representing the rank order of individuals but not equal intervals between ranks.

Question 14

Interval Level

Answer 14

A level of measurement using numerical scales with equal intervals between scores but no true zero point, such as temperature scales.

Question 15

Ratio Level

Answer 15

A level of measurement with equal intervals and a true zero point, allowing for statements about ratios, like weight or reaction time.

Question 16

Reliability

Answer 16

The consistency of a measure, including test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and interrater reliability.

Question 17

Test-Retest Reliability

Answer 17

The consistency of a measure over time, assessed by testing the same participants at two different times.

Question 18

Internal Consistency

Answer 18

The consistency of people’s responses across the items on a multiple-item measure, often assessed with split-half correlations or Cronbach’s alpha.

Question 19

Split-Half Correlation

Answer 19

A method of assessing internal consistency by dividing a test into two halves and comparing the consistency of scores across them.

Question 20

Cronbach’s α

Answer 20

A measure of internal consistency that reflects how well the items in a scale measure the same construct. Conceptually, α is the mean of all possible split-half correlations
for a set of items.

Question 21

Interrater Reliability

Answer 21

The extent to which different observers or raters agree in their measurements or judgments.

Question 22

Validity

Answer 22

The extent to which a measure accurately represents the variable it is intended to measure.

Question 23

Face Validity

Answer 23

The extent to which a measure appears to assess what it is intended to assess, based on a subjective judgment.

Question 24

Content Validity

Answer 24

The extent to which a measure covers the full range of the construct it aims to measure, ensuring it represents all aspects.

Question 25

Criterion Validity

Answer 25

The extent to which a measure is related to an outcome or criterion, indicating how well it predicts or reflects the criterion.

Question 26

Concurrent Validity

Answer 26

A type of criterion validity assessed when the measure and criterion are assessed at the same time.

Question 27

Predictive Validity

Answer 27

A type of criterion validity assessed by examining how well a measure predicts future outcomes or behaviors.

Question 28

Convergent Validity

Answer 28

The extent to which scores on a measure are correlated with scores on other measures of the same construct.

Question 29

Discriminant Validity

Answer 29

The extent to which a measure does not correlate with measures of different constructs, demonstrating it is distinct.

Question 30

Socially Desirable Responding

Answer 30

The tendency of participants to respond in ways that are perceived to be more socially acceptable, rather than their true thoughts or feelings.

Question 31

Demand Characteristics

Answer 31

Cues in a research setting that may lead participants to alter their behavior or responses based on their perceptions of the study’s purpose.