Research method 1

Question 1

Define reliability

Answer 1

A measure of consistency over time

Question 2

Define validity

Answer 2

Whether a study measures/examines what is claims to measure/examine

Question 3

List and explain the different types of validity

Answer 3

• Internal validity is concerned with what goes on inside a study. This includes the control of variables.
• External validity is the extent to which results can be generalised beyond research settings

Question 4

List the 3 types of external validity

Answer 4

• Ecological validity
• Population validity
• Historical validity

Question 5

Explain ecological validity

Answer 5

Where measure of a behaviour accurately reflects the way in which the behaviour would occur in normal circumstances.

Example: Laboratory experiments have low ecological validity because it isn’t a typical setting such as a classroom.

Question 6

Explain Population validity

Answer 6

Extent to which results from research can be generalised to the target population.

Question 7

Explain historical validity

Answer 7

Findings from a research at a certain point accurately reflect behaviour at a different point in time

Question 8

Define operationalism

Answer 8

Operationalism involves clearly specifying the behaviour. This enables researcher to measure behaviour under investigation that other researches can replicate to assess reliability of results

Question 9

Extraneous Variable

Answer 9

Any variable other than the IV that could affect the dependent variable

Question 10

What is a control group

Answer 10

Closely resembles people under investigation but not subjected to factor under study.

Control group used so researcher can establish if IV causes change in behaviour or other factors.

Control group increases internal validity.