Research Methods -> Validity

Question 1

Validity

Answer 1

Validity refers to whether a measuring instrument or study measures what it claims to measure. In other words, whether something is true or legitimate.

Question 2

Internal validity

Answer 2

a measure of whether results obtained are solely affected by changes in the variable being manipulated in a cause and effect relationship.

Question 3

External validity

Answer 3

a measure of whether data can be generalised to other situations outside of the research environment.

Question 4

Ecological Validity

Answer 4

this is a type of external validity, and refers to the extent to which psychologists can apply their findings to other settings – predominantly to everyday life

Question 5

Temporal Validity-

Answer 5

this is another form of external validity, which refers to the extent to which research findings can be applied across time.

Question 6

Population Validity

Answer 6

– this is another form of external validity, which refers to the extent to which the research can be applied to different groups of people apart from the group that were used in the study

Question 7

Improving Validity: Experiments

Answer 7

Research can also include single‐blind or double‐blind procedures as a means to improve validity. The use of a single‐blind procedure means that participants do not know which condition they are in, whilst double‐blind means that neither the participant nor the researcher knows which condition participants are in. This ensures that the knowledge of the conditions does not result in demand characteristics on behalf of the participants or investigator effects from the direct or indirect behaviour of the experimenter.

Another way of improving validity in experimental research is to use standardised instructions, which involves giving all participants the same instructions in exactly the same format. By ensuring that participants receive identical information, psychologists can minimise investigator effects. In this way participants are less likely to have a different interpretation of what they are required to do, whilst the researcher is at less risk of giving a higher level of information to some participants compared to others.

Question 8

Improving Validity: Questionnaires

Answer 8

The validity of questionnaires can also be improved using relatively straightforward techniques. Often, researchers will include a lie scale to check the consistency of participants’ responses. One way in which this can be done is by having two items that are asking the same thing, but in opposite ways.Another way of improving validity in a questionnaire is to ensure that participants know that their responses are going to be kept anonymous because, by remaining unidentifiable, participants are less likely to give answers that are socially desirable.

Question 9

Improving Validity: Observations

Answer 9

One way of doing this is to conduct a covert observation, where the researcher is not seen. By doing this, researchers increase the likelihood that the behaviour observed is natural, as participants will not be acting in a way that they deem correct or desirable for the sake of the study.

Another way of improving validity in observations is the use of behavioural categories. In this instance, researchers will tick off behaviours when they are seen which helps to improve validity by reducing the chance of researcher subjectivity. Ensuring that the categories are clearly defined, and do not overlap, would also further improve validity in observations.