Measuring Development (W2, L2) Flashcards
What is reliability in research?
Would similar results occur if the study was repeated?
Reliability assesses the consistency of results across different instances of a study.
What is test-retest reliability?
If you repeat the same test with the same individuals will they have similar results each time.
This measures the stability of test scores over time.
What is integrated reliability?
Do different researchers get the same results when coding the same data.
For example, two researchers watching the same video should arrive at the same conclusions.
What is validity in research?
Are you actually measuring what you think you are measuring/want to measure?
Validity indicates the accuracy of the measurement.
What is internal validity?
Are the changes in the DV really driven by the changes in the IV or by external influences.
This assesses whether the results genuinely reflect the relationship between the variables.
What is external validity?
Can this be generalised to other populations and situations.
External validity concerns the applicability of findings beyond the study sample.
What is ecological validity?
Do the results generalise to real-world situations.
This evaluates how findings can be applied in everyday contexts.
What is replicability in research?
If other people did your study would they see the same results?
Replicability is essential for verifying the reliability of research findings.
What is the file drawer problem?
“Selective reporting” Some researchers run their experiments again making minor tweaks until they get the results they expected.
This issue highlights publication bias in research.
What is the nature vs nurture debate?
Are we a product of our genes or our environment.
This question explores the influences of genetic and environmental factors on development.
What does activity vs passivity refer to in developmental psychology?
Are we shaping the environment that contributes to our development or are we shaped by biological and environmental forces beyond our control.
This addresses the role of agency in development.
What is continuity & discontinuity in development?
Quantitative change (numerically measured) or qualitative change (structure change).
This distinction concerns how development occurs over time.
What is universality vs context specificity?
development is similar among all individuals regardless of background (universality) or does it depend on social context e.g. culture to culture, and environment (context).
This explores whether developmental processes are consistent across diverse backgrounds.
What is domain specialty vs domain generality?
Are cognitive abilities understood as specialised tools for specific tasks e.g. language, coordination or as a few large tools applicable to multiple domains.
This debate examines the specialization versus generalization of cognitive processes.
A good scientific theory method should be?
- Internally consistent (doesn’t generate
contradictory hypotheses) - Falsifiable (able to be proven wrong)
- Supported by data (consistent with what we know)
