Chapter 5 - Measurement Concepts

Question 1

True Score

Answer 1

Individuals actual/real score on a variable being measured.

Question 2

Measurement Error

Answer 2

The Degree to which a measurement deviates from the true score value.

Shown in the greater variability of unreliable tests.

Question 3

Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient

Answer 3

Symbolized as r, can range from 0.00 to +1.00 and 0.00 to -1.00

0. 00 = no relation
   - 1.00 & +1.00 = strong relationship

Question 4

Test-Retest Reliability

Answer 4

Measuring the same individuals at two points in time

Example: IQ test at beginning and end of semester.

Question 5

Alternate Forms Reliability

Answer 5

Two different forms of the same test to the same individuals at two points in time.

To avoid individuals remembering how they responded the first time.

Question 6

Internal Consistency Reliability

Answer 6

The assessment of reliability using responses (data) collected at only one point in time with multiple measures.

Measures are reliable when multiple measures provide similar results.

Question 7

Split-half reliability

Answer 7

Correlation of the total score on one half of the test compared to the total score on the other half of the same test.

Created randomly by dividing two parts.

Question 8

Chronbach’s alpha

Answer 8

Provides the average of all possible split-half reliability coefficients.

Would want to do this on a computer.

Question 9

Interrater reliability

Answer 9

The extent to which eaters agree in their observations.

It’s high when most of the observations result in the same judgement.

Question 10

Construct validity

Answer 10

Concerns whether out methods of studying variables are accurate.

Question 11

Face validity

Answer 11

Content of the measure appears to reflect the construct being measured.

Example: measure for depression including items like “I feel sad”

Question 12

Content validity

Answer 12

Content of the measure is linked to the universe of content that defines the construct.

Question 13

Predictive validity

Answer 13

Scores on the measure predict behavior on a criterion measured at a future time.

Example: GRE or SATs for college/graduate programs.

Question 14

Concurrent validity

Answer 14

Scores on the measure are related to a criterion measured at the same time (concurrently).

Ex: If two groups were given measures and varied in predictable ways (those in therapy for anxiety scored higher than those with depression).

Question 15

Convergent validity

Answer 15

Scores on the measure are related to other measures of the same construct.

Ex: if scores from the new measure were related to scores from other measures

Question 16

Discrimination validity

Answer 16

Scores on the measure are not related to other measures that are theoretically different.

Question 17

Reactivity

Answer 17

If awareness of being measured changes an individual’s behavior.

Ways to minimize this include allowing time for individuals to become used to the presence of the observer or recording equipment.

Question 18

Nominal scales

Answer 18

Categories with no numeric scales. Impossible to define any quantities values.

Ex: Males/females

Question 19

Ordinal scales

Answer 19

Rank ordering numeric values limited. Intervals between items is not known.

Ex: 2, 3, 4 - star restaurants

Question 20

Interval scales

Answer 20

Numeric properties are literal. Assume equal interval between values. No true zero.

Ex: aptitude test score, intelligence, temperature.

Question 21

Ratio

Answer 21

Zero indicates a sense of variable measured. Can form ratios.

Ex: reaction time, weight, age.

Question 22

Reliability

Answer 22

The consistency or stability of a measure of behavior.

Most likely achieved when researchers use careful measurement procedures.

Increased by making multiple measures.