Validity

Question 1

Validity

Answer 1

If it measures what it claims to measure

Question 2

Internal Validity

Answer 2

If the effects observed in the study are due to the manipulation of the IV and not extraneous or confounding variables.

Question 3

What is the relationship between the IV and DV in internal validity?

Answer 3

Causal relationship

Question 4

Increasing internal validity through reliability

Answer 4

• control of extraneous variables
• standardization of procedure
• eliminate demand characteristics
• counter balancing
• investigator effects

Question 5

Counter balancing

Answer 5

The sample is divided in half: one half completes the two conditions in order, conversely the other half does it in reverse. Useful for reducing order effects in repeated measure design.

Question 6

External Validity

Answer 6

The extent to which the results of the study can be generalised to other settings, population or over time. This covers ecological, population and historical validity.

Question 7

Increasing external validity

Answer 7

• random sampling
• natural setting
• replicating the study at different times or places

Question 8

Face Validity

Answer 8

Whether the test appears to (at face value) measure what it claims to.

Question 9

Disadvantages of face validity

Answer 9

More vulnerable to social desirability bias and is the least sophisticated measure of validity

Question 10

Construct Validity

Answer 10

Whether the measure successfully measures the CONCEPT it is supposed to. Simply, how well does it translate the ideas/theories into actual measures and tests.

Question 11

Analogy to understand Construct Validity

Answer 11

Convert your “land of theory” (how well you articulate your ideas to others), to your “land of observation” (how well you reflect your theory through measures or tests).

Question 12

High construct validity

Answer 12

More evidence to demonstrate said construct/concept.

Question 13

Concurrent Validity

Answer 13

When a test correlates well with a measure that has been previously validated.

Question 14

Predictive/Criterion Validity

Answer 14

The degree to which a test accurately predicts a criterion that will occur in the future.

Question 15

Ecological Validity

Answer 15

Whether the study (task or environment/situation) reflects real life situations.

Question 16

Population Validity

Answer 16

Whether the sample is representative of the wider target population of the study.