validity Flashcards
1
Q
what is validity?
A
whether something is true or legitimate
2
Q
external validity
A
whether data can be generalised to situations outside the research environment
3
Q
internal validity
A
whether results are solely affected by changes in the variable being manipulated in a cause and effect relationship
4
Q
ecological validity
A
- external
- the extent to which psychologists can apply their findings to predominantly everyday life
- e.g. lab studies lack ecological validity
5
Q
temporal validity
A
- external
- the extent to which research findings can be applied across time
- e.g. asch’s research lacks temporal validity
6
Q
assessment of validity
A
- face validity: does the test appear to measure what it says it measures? a test of face validity will most likely be done by a specialist in the field
- concurrent validity: the performance of the test in question is compared to a test that is already recognised and trusted in the field
7
Q
improving validity in experiments
A
- use a control group to see if the iv influences the dv
- use a single blind or double blind procedure to improve validity, so demand characteristics or investigator effects don’t occur
- use standardised instructions (give all participants the same instructions in the same way) to minimise investigator effects
8
Q
improving validity in questionnaires
A
- will often include a lie scale to check the consistency of responses, e.g. ask have 2 items asking the same thing in opposite ways
- ensure participants know their results will be kept anonymous so they don’t give socially desirable answers
9
Q
improving validity in observations
A
- make sure researchers have little impact on behaviour, e.g. via a covert observation
- use behavioural categories to improve validity by reducing the chance of subjectivity
- research that uses qualitative methodology usually has higher ecological validity due to the depth of data collected. however analysis can be subjective, so use direct quotes and collect data from multiple sources
