Midterm #1 - Measurement and Variables Flashcards
1
Q
conceptual definitions
A
- help us understand what a construct means but don’t tell us how to quantify the construct
2
Q
variables
A
- actual representation of the construct
3
Q
nominal (data)
A
- data recognized with no inherent order
4
Q
ordinal (data)
A
- data categorized and ranked
5
Q
continuous (data)
A
- interval: categorized, ranked, and evenly spaced
- ratio: categorized, ranked, evenly spaced, natural zero
6
Q
construct
A
- concept
- can’t be directly observed
- abstract
7
Q
operational definition
A
- specific and concrete
- represent a construct
8
Q
ways to measure behaviour
A
- observe it: naturalistic, get records, unobtrusive
- ask about it: self-report, informant
9
Q
psychometrics
A
- scientific discipline concerned with measurement
10
Q
condition a (data entry)
A
- baseline
11
Q
condition b (data entry)
A
- intervention
12
Q
quasi-independent variable
A
- treated as IV but not manipulated
13
Q
quasi-experimental designs
A
- researcher can’t manipulate IV or use random design
14
Q
self-report
A
- directly ask participants when observation not possible
- cheap and easy but could have bias
15
Q
behavioural trace
A
- relies on evidence left behind by a person who isn’t present
- drawing inferences
16
Q
behavioural observation
A
- relies directly on seeing or observing behaviour
- better if participants don’t know
17
Q
behavioural choices
A
- involves participants making a purposeful selection from several options
18
Q
random error
A
- variation from the measure’s true score due to unsystematic or chance factors
- measured with stats
19
Q
bias/systematic error
A
- varies systematically or consistently pushes scores higher/lower in a way that leads to inaccurate/misleading conclusions
20
Q
standardization
A
- environmental situation same for everyone
21
Q
observer/scorer bias
A
- misinterpreting an observation based on the researcher’s existing belief, previous experiences, or expectations
22
Q
ceiling effect
A
- occurs when upper boundary of a measurement tool is set too low
23
Q
floor effect
A
- occurs when lower boundary of a measurement is set too high
24
Q
reliability
A
- stability/consistency of a measure
25
Q
validity
A
- the degree to which a tool measures what is claims to measure
26
Q
if you fail to establish ______ you can’t have _______
A
- reliability
- validity
27
Q
population
A
- entire group of interest in a research study
- sample drawn
28
Q
sample
A
- a subset of the population
- where data is collected
29
Q
representative sample
A
- a sample with specific features that characterize the population of interest
30
Q
probability sampling
A
- everyone in a population has an equal chance to participate
31
Q
simple random sampling
A
- subset of individuals is randomly selected from population members
32
Q
stratified random sampling
A
- dividing population into strata or subpopulations
- use simple random sampling to select participants
33
Q
cluster random sampling
A
- dividing the total population into groups
- use simple random sampling to select which clusters participate
34
Q
non-probability sampling
A
- everyone in the population doesn’t have an equal chance of being sampled
35
Q
convenience sampling
A
- nonrandom selections of participants who are readily available to the researcher to serve as the sample
36
Q
quota sampling
A
- freely choosing any participant as long as they help meet predetermined targets for sample’s characteristics
37
Q
purpose sampling
A
- sample chosen based on who researcher thinks is the most qualified
38
Q
snowball sampling
A
- existing study participants recruit future participants from among their acquaintances
39
Q
nonresponse bias
A
- a potential systematic difference between those who refuse to participate and those who don’t
40
Q
the volunteer subject problem
A
- likely a bias with only volunteers
