Validity Flashcards
A01
Define Validity
Validity is the extent to which a test measures what it is intended to measure( internal validity)
It refers to the extent to which findings can be generalised beyond the research setting ( external validity)
A01
4 types of validty
- Face validity
- concurrent
- ecological
- Temporal
A01
1.Outline face validity
Form of validity where a measure appears to measure what it intends to measure
i.e GCSE maths test-p should know the style ofnQ’s , if they were simple or diff Q’s P would doubt the validity of test
p-participant
Outline Concurrent validity
- when a test will produce same/similar results to a benchmark test
*i.e. student write mock exams & if were to have similar style papers as their actual GCSE & get similar results -high concurrent validity
Outline ecological validity
The extent to which findings from a research study can be generalised to other settings & situations (form of external validity)
Ecological validity is how well a test reflects real life situation
i.e a drivers test, a learner driver should be able to park & brake during test as they are real life scenarios
A01
Outline Temporal validity
The extent to which findings from a research study can be generalised to other historical times,eras, how well a test results can stand overtime ( form of external validity)
& whether findings or concepts from study hold true over time
i.e freuds concepts like females experiencing penis envy are outdated
Outline 3 ways of assessing validity
- Looking at a test
- Comparing tests
- Predicting results
Outline looking at a test as a way of assessig validity
- looking at a test can esnure face validity
i.e student knows what french exam looks like by looking through french test can make sure test has face validity - Looking at a test ensures ecological validity
ppl know what real life scenarios look like so examining a test is straightforward
Outline how comparing test results is a way of assessing validity
- Comparing test results to an established test can ensure concurrent validity
- i.e a intelligence test can be administrated to a group of p& IQ score they achieve can be compared with performance on established test ( i,g stanford binet test)
- similar results between two sets of data would show that new test has high concurrent validity
Outline predicting results as an assessment of validity
Temporal validity-predicting results on a future test from a past test can esnure temporal validity i.e using mocks to predict future exams
A01
Outline ways of improving validity-in experimental research
Validity can be improved by using a control group-means researchers is better able to assess whether changes in DV were due to effects of IV
* Experiments may standardise procedures to minimise the impact of participant reactivity & investigator effects on the validity of the outcome
* use single & double procedures
* in single blind procedure P are not aware of aims of study until taken part ( to reduce effects of demand charateristics)
* In double blind prodecure , a third party conducts the investigation without knowing the main purpose ( reducing demand characterisics & investigator effects -improving validity
Improving validity for Questionnaires
incorpoate lie scales within Qs o assess Consistency of responses & control for effects of social desireabilit bias-enhancing validity
Improving validity for Observations
Observational research may produce findings that have high ecological validity
Using covert observations means behaviour is natural & authentic
Improving validity using Qualitative methods
Qualitative methods-have higher ecological validity than Quantitative methods
case studies & interviews use qualitative methods in depth & detailed reflecting p reality
Validity enhanced through triangulation (use of diff research methods , through interviews with friend & fam, observation)
