Methodological Issues Flashcards
Representativeness
The extent to which a sample is typical of the key features of the target population so is likely to produce findings that can be generalised
Generalisability
The extent to which findings from one sample or situation can be applied to another sample or situation
Reliability
The consistency of a measure
Internal Reliability
The consistory of results of a test across items within the test
External Reliability
The extent to which a test produces the same results in the same situation with the same people or the extent to which a test score varies from one time to another
Inter-Rater Reliability
The extent to which two researchers consistently rate, score or observe the same behaviour and the sets of ratings.
Test-Retest Reliability
A way to test reliability by using the same test twice
Split-Half Reliability
A way to test internal reliability by comparing two halves of a test
Validity
How accurate a piece of research is at at measuring what it aims to measure
Internal Validity
The extent to which the procedures within a study achieve the intended manipulations and measures. High internal validity means researchers can be sure that changes in the dependent variable are caused by the independent variable.
Face Validity
The extent to which a measure has ‘face value’ and appears to test what it claims to.
Construct Validity
The extent to which the phenomenon being measured actually exists
Concurrent Validity
The extent to which different measures of the same phenomenon produce similar results in the same circumstances, at the same time.
Criterion Validity
The extent to which one measure of a phenomenon predicts the value of another measure of the same phenomenon.
Population Validity
The extent to which the findings from one sample can be generalised to the whole of the target population
Ecological Validity
The extend to which findings from one situation generalise to other situations; the extent to which a piece of research is accurately measuring real life
Demand Characterists
Cures of features of an experiment or situation that indicate to participants the aim of the study and so influence their behaviour
Social Desirability
The tendency of participants to respond or behave in ways they think reflect what is acceptable in society rather that how they actually want to respond or behave.
Researcher Bias
Tendency for a researcher to act in ways that influence the results due to such things as their own beliefs, culture or gender
Observer Bias
The tendency for an observer to ‘see what they want to see’ and so record behaviours that they believe should or will occur rather that recording behaviours that actually occur.
Researcher effects
Negative Influences researchers can have on a study by such things as their presence, beliefs, culture and gender
Observer Effects
Influences that observers can have on a study by such things as their presence, beliefs, culture, gender, when the observer is overt or when their role becomes apparent to participants.
Ethical Issues covered by RESPECT
Informed Consent, Right to Withdraw, Confidentiality
The ethical area of COMPETENCE
The need for psychologists to work within their own capabilities, not giving advice to participants if not qualified to do so, and to check their research with peers. It clarifies the end for psychologists to monitor their own work and with other’s competence in carrying out research appropriately.
Ethical Guidelines under RESPONSIBILITY
Protection of Participants, debrief
Ethical Guidelines under INTEGRITY
Deception
Informed consent
Participants should have sufficient knowledge about a study to decide whether or not they want to agree to take part
Right to Withdraw
Participants should be aware that they can remove themselves and their data from the study at any time
Confidentiality
Participants’ results and personal information should be kept safely and not released to anyone outside the study
Protection of Participants
Participants should not be put at any greater physical or psychological risk than they would expect in their everyday lives
Debrief
A full explanation of the aims and potential consequences of a study should be given to participants after they have taken part to ensure they leave in at least as positive a condition as their arrival.
Deception
Participants should not be deliberately misinformed about the aim or the procedure of the study.
