Validity

Question 1

Validity

Answer 1

extent to which an observed effect is genuine and represents what is actually ‘out there’ in the real world.

Question 2

Types of Validity

Answer 2

Internal - whether effects observed are due to manipulation of independent variable.
External - whether effects observed reflect environment beyond the research setting.
Ecological - extent to which findings can be generalised to other setting and situations.
Temporal - extent to which findings can be generalised to other historical times and eras.
Population - extent to which findings can be generalised to other populations.

Question 3

Ways of Assessing Validity

Answer 3

Face validity - used to assess it test/scale/measure appears to measure what is it supposed to ‘on the face of it’. Eyeballing it.
Concurrent validity - demonstrated when results obtained match those obtained on another recognised and well established test. Close agreement indicated by +0.8 correlation coefficient suggests high concurrent validity.

Question 4

Improving Validity in Experiments

Answer 4

Control group = better assess changes in dependent variable.
Standardised = all experience same experience minimising effects of demand characteristics and investigator effects.
Single and Double Blind procedures = minimises effects of demand characteristics and investigator effects.

Question 5

Improving Validity in Questionnaires

Answer 5

Lie scale = assess consistency of respondent’s response and to control social desirability bias.
Anonymous = less likely to try and put self in better light.

Question 6

Improving Validity in Observations

Answer 6

Covert = so behaviour is natural and authentic.
Operationalised behavioural categories = not too broad, ambiguous, or overlap which negatively impacts.

Question 7

Improving Validity in Qualitative Methods

Answer 7

Reports coherent and direct quotes = reduces researchers interpretations of data.
Triangulation = using several different sources of evidence to check.