Research methods- Reliability and Validity Flashcards
What does reliability mean?
Refers to how consistent the findings from an investigation or measuring device are- the more consistent the higher the reliability
What does validity mean?
Refers to the extent to which the observed effect is genuine/ legitimate- did they measure what they intended to?
What is meant by internal validity and what reduces it?
Refers to whether the procedure successfully measured what it intended to measure. Extraneous variables reduce internal validity (can be improved by single/ double-blind procedure)
What is meant by external validity?
Refers to the extent to which the findings of a study can be successfully generalised to wider populations
What is population validity and how can it be improved?
Refers to the extent to which the findings can be generalised to wider populations and can be improved by using a more representative sample
What is ecological validity and how can it be improved?
Refers to the extent to which the findings of a study can be generalised to settings other than where the research took place and can be improved by looking at the tasks the participant needs to complete
What is temporal validity?
Refers to the extent to which the findings of a particular study, or concepts within a particular theory, can be generalised to different time periods
What is meant by internal reliability?
A measure of the extent to which something is consistent within itself
What is meant by external reliability and how do we assess it?
A measure of consistency over time and we assess it by replicating the study on different populations, in a different setting or time period and finding correlations with the original study
What is meant by the test-retest method and why should we leave time between the test and retest?
Where the same participants are presented with same test or questionnaire on two different occasions- scores obtained are correlated with one another- if positive then reliable. Time is important as they need to be unable to recall their previous answers but not have changed their attitudes
What is inter-rater technique?
Inter-observer/ inter-interviewer/ inter-researcher. Carried out by two or more researchers studying the same participants but recording their own data , scores from each are then obtained and correlated- positive= reliable
How can reliability and validity be improved?
Can be improved through the procedure being carefully revised, with the researcher being trained thoroughly in the techniques required to use and ensuring the use of standardised procedures and clearer operationalised variables.
