methodological issues Flashcards
Define validty
If the research ACCURATELY measures what it intends to measure.
Define ecological validity
The extent to which the study represents a real life situation
Benefits of a study being ecologically valid
-Having more useful findings (more practical applications of the research)
-Having people act more naturally
-Getting more funding for your research (if it is deemed normal)
Define population validity
The extent to which the sample is generalisable
Why use uni students in a study?
-It is easy! Often researchers work as professors within the university so can obtain students easily (and cheaply)
-You may get international students to help generalisability
define construct validity
Where the test has been shown to measure what it is supposed to be testing
Define demand characteristics
Demand characteristics are when participants change their behaviour/responses in line with what they believe is demanded of them.
what type of of validity do demand characteristics impact
This would influence construct validity as the results would be inaccurate (as the participants didn’t act/respond as they usually would).
Define reliability
if the research can be trusted as not a fluke (CONSISTENCY)
define internal reliability
Whether the procedure is standardised and can be repeated.
define external reliability
Whether the study has enough participants to establish a consistent effect.
define inter-rater reliability
The extent to which several observers agree on what they’re looking for.
define ethnocentrism
The extent to which a study is focused on ONE culture and cannot be generalised to others.
how do you avoid ethnocentrism (Carrying out Cross Cultural Research)
Carrying out Cross Cultural Research
-This is when research is conducted in multiple different cultures.
-This avoids being ethnocentric because the sample used covers more than one culture and therefore the results are more generalisable to other cultures.
how do you avoid ethnocentrism (having a heterogeneous sample)
Having a heterogeneous sample
-A sample that is diverse in characteristics (including culture).
-This avoids being ethnocentric because the sample (although perhaps from one place) still covers more than one culture and therefore the results are more generalisable to other cultures.
E.g Piliavin conducted her study in New York which is well known for having a diverse population of residents and visitors.
how do you avoid ethnocentrism (carrying out biological research)
Carrying out Biological Research
This is when research focuses on the effects of biological process on behaviour (such as brain function).
This avoids being ethnocentric because the research does not consider the influence of culture at all, as biologically we are all very similar worldwide.
what can reduce construct validity?
-Lack of controls
-Demand characteristics
-Participant variables
-Social desirability bias
-Environmental variables
-Order effects
-Obtaining subjective (qualitative) data
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