Defining and Measuring Variables Flashcards
In the behavioural sciences, what are theories?
Statements about the mechanisms underlying a particular behaviour
What are constructs?
Hypothetical attributes or mechanisms that help explain and predict behaviour in a theory
In many theories, what are constructs influenced by and what do they influence?
External stimulus -> construct -> external behaviour
What is an operational definition?
A procedure for indirectly measuring and defining a variable that cannot be observed or measured directly
What is the most familiar example of an operational definition?
The IQ test
What is the goal of an operational definition?
To provide a definition and a method for measuring a hypothetical construct
What is a positive relationship between two variables?
The measurements tend to move in the same direction
What is a negative relationship between two variables?
The measurements tend to move in the opposite direction
What determines a positive, negative, or no correlation?
The linear fit of the consistency of a relationship (1.0 is consistently positive, -1.0 is consistently negative, 0.0 is zero correlation)
What is the first criterion for evaluating a measurement procedure? What does it mean?
Validity - the degree to which the measurement process measures the variable it claims to measure
What is the second criterion for evaluating a measurement procedure? What does it mean?
Reliability - the degree of stability or consistency between measurements
If the same individuals are measured under the same conditions, what would a reliable measurement procedure produce as an outcome?
Identical if not near identical measurements
When we measure a variable, the measurement procedure introduces an element of error. How is it expressed as an equation?
Measured score = true score + error
What is the relationship between error and reliability?
If error is low, reliability will be higher. If error is high, reliability will be lower.
True or false: a measurement must be valid for it to be reliable
False
True or false: a measure can be reliable without being valid.
True
What is accuracy?
The degree to which a measure conforms to the established standard
What is the scale of measurement?
The set of categories used for classification of individuals
What is a self-report measure?
A measurement obtained by asking a participant to describe their own behaviour, attitude, and opinions
What is the primary advantage of a self-report measure?
It is the most direct way to assess a construct
What do physiological measures involve?
Brain-imaging techniques like PET and MRI
What is a major advantage of physiological measures?
They are extremely objective
What do behavioural measures do?
They directly observe an individual’s behaviour
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