Claims and Validities Flashcards
An attribute that varies, having at least two levels or values
Variable
Something that could vary but only has one level in the study
Constant
Variable whose levels are simply observed and recorded
Measured Variable
A variable that is manipulated or controlled by the researcher (they change the levels of the variable)
Manipulated Variable
A variable of interest stated at an abstract or conceptual level
Construct - Conceptual variable
To turn a concept of interest into a measured or manipulated variable
Operationalize
The specific way in which a concept of interest is measured or manipulated as a variable in a study
Operational Definition
The argument someone is trying to make
Claim
A claim that describes a particular rate or degree of a single variable
Frequency Claim
How many variables does a Frequency Claim involve?
One measured variable
A claim about two variables in which the value (level) of one variable is said to vary systematically with the value of another variable
Association Claim
What does it mean when variables are correlated?
When one variable changes the other variable tends to change too
How many variables are involved in an Association Claim?
Two measured variables
An association in which high goes with high and low goes with low
Positive Association
An association in which high goes with low and low goes with high
Negative Association
A lack of systematic association between two variables
Zero Association
A claim arguing that a specific change in one variable is responsible for influencing the value of another variable
Causal Claim
What are the three criteria for a Causal Claim?
Temporal Precedence - Cause came before effect
Covariance - variables are correlated
Internal Validity - no other explanation
The appropriateness of a conclusion or decision
Validity
An indication of how well a variable was measured or manipulated
Construct Validity
How accurately a researcher has operationalized each variable is an example of what type of validity?
Construct Validity
An indication of how well the results of a study generalize to, or represent, individuals or context besides those in the study itself (the population)
External Validity
How the researcher chose the participants and how well they represent the intended population is an example of which type of validity?
External Validity
The ability to rule out alternative explanations for a causal relationship between two variables
Internal Validity
The extent to which statistical conclusions derived from a study are accurate and reasonable
Statistical Validity
A statistical figure based on sample size of a poll that indicates where the true value in the population probably lies
Margin of Error
What is statistical significance?
The probability that it is not due to chance
What are the two types of mistaken conclusions?
Type I Error (False Positive) - Concluding there is an association when there is non
Type II Error (False Negative) Miss - concluding no association when there is one
How many variables are involved in a Causal Claim?
One manipulated and one measured variable
The use of a random method to assign participants into different experimental groups
Random assignment
