Reliability and Validity Flashcards
What is Reliability?
Reliability in research refers to the consistency or stability of a measurement tool or method over time. A reliable measure produces similar results each time it is applied under the same conditions. For example, if you use a survey instrument to gauge job satisfaction, you should be able to administer it multiple times, or to different but similar groups, and observe comparable outcomes as long as the underlying conditions haven’t changed.
What is Validity?
Validity in research refers to the accuracy or truthfulness of a measurement in capturing what it is intended to measure. A valid measurement tool truly reflects the concept or variable it aims to represent.
What is internal validity?
Internal validity focuses on whether the evidence and reasoning within the study genuinely support the claims made. It ensures that the observed effects can be attributed to the independent variables rather than rival explanations
What is external validity?
External validity considers whether findings can be confidently generalized beyond the specific cases studied. Even a well-supported claim may be limited if its applicability does not extend to other contexts, populations, or time periods.
What is face validity?
Face validity is the simplest form: does the measure appear to assess what it’s supposed to? For example, when evaluating customer service performance at the IRS, measuring employees’ eating habits would have no apparent connection to the concept of “customer service,” thus failing the face validity test.
What is content validity?
Content validity involves ensuring that the measurement covers all relevant aspects of the concept being measured.
What is Criterion Validity?
Criterion validity compares the measure against an established benchmark or criterion.
What is construct Validity?
Construct validity relates the measurement to general theories underlying the concept.
What is threats to validity?
Threats to validity in research design are variables—other than the independent variable—that influence the dependent variable and can weaken the integrity of the study.
What are threats to internal validity?
History, Maturation, Testing, Instrumentation, Statistical regression, Biases in Selection, Experimental Mortality, Selection-Maturation Interaction
What are threats to external validity?
Reactive or Interactive Effects of Testing, Interaction Effects of Selection Bias and Experimental Variable, Reactive Effects of Experimental Arrangements, Multiple Treatment Interference
