Validity

Question 1

Validity

Answer 1

Accuracy

Question 2

Internal validity

Answer 2

The findings are accurate and the effects on the DV are caused by the IV. Therefore the study measures what it intends to measure (as confounding variables have been controlled and will not affect the results).

Question 3

External validity

Answer 3

Whether the study paints a true picture of real life behaviours (e.g. if the tasks have mundane realism) and whether the findings would apply to different places, different times, or different people

Question 4

Ecological validity

Answer 4

A measure of how test performance predicts behaviours in real-world settings. How far can the results be applied to everyday life

Question 5

Temporal validity

Answer 5

Refers to the validity of the findings in relation to the progression of time. How far can the results be applied to today

Question 6

Population validity

Answer 6

Whether the findings from your sample can be reasonably generalised to a larger group of people

Question 7

Concurrent validity

Answer 7

Validating a measurement by comparing it with an established measurement that has known validity. If similar results occur on both tests, then this new test is valid. If not, then the new test would have to be redesigned and tested.

Question 8

Construct validity

Answer 8

The most sophisticated test of validity as it looks at whether the overall results reflect the phenomena as a whole (external validity). Checking the existing definitions of the behaviour being studied and redesigning the test if it measures a different construct.

Question 9

Content validity

Answer 9

This objectively checks the method of measuring behaviour is accurate and decides whether it is a fair test that achieves the aims of the study (internal validity). Ask an expert in that specific area of behaviour to check the test is valid.

Question 10

Predictive validity

Answer 10

The degree to which a test accurately forecasts a future outcome on a more broadly related topic. Do the findings apply in different and more varied situations? E.g. Do those with high IQ score gain higher grades in exams?

Question 11

Face validity

Answer 11

The least sophisticated measure of validity. This validity is simply whether the test appears to measure what it claims to, and hence is subjective. Tests where the purpose is clear, even to naïve respondents, are said to have this validity.