validity Flashcards
what is validity?
refers to the extent to which results of a research study are legitimate. There are various types of validity and ways of assessing them
what is internal validity? and what is it influenced by?
this is whether the outcomes observed in an experiment are due to the manipulation of the IV and not any other factor. It is influenced by :
● Confounding and extraneous variables.
● Participant variables and demand characteristics.
● Investigator bias.
what is external validity? and what are the different types?
This relates to factors outside the investigation - is it generalisable to other settings, populations & eras. There are different forms of external validity:
● Ecological validity- This is the extent to which findings can be generalised to other situations and settings.
● Temporal validity - Generalisability to other historical times and eras
● Population validity - Generalisability to different populations of various ages,
what are the ways of assessing reliability?
-face validity
-concurrent validity
-predictive validity
what is face validity?
- this is when a measure is scrutinised to determine whether it appears to measure what it is supposed to. This can be done either through simply looking at it or passing it to an expert to check.
what is concurrent validity?
- this refers to the extent to which a psychological measure compares to a similar existing measure. The results obtained should either match or be closely similar to the results of the well established and recognised test.
what is predicitve validity? and give an example.
this refers to how well a test can predict future events or behaviours E.g. how childhood attachment measured using the strange situation are able to predict how the child will grow up to behave in adulthood (from Attachment topic).
what are the ways that can be used for improving validity?
-experimental research
-observations
-questionnaires
-qualitative methods
using experimental research to improve validity (use AI to summarise this bruh)
Using a control group in experimental research means that the researcher is better able to assess whether changes in the dependent variable were due to the effect of the independent variable. For example, in a study looking at the effectiveness of a therapy, a control group who did not receive therapy means that the researcher can have greater confidence that improvements were due to the effects of the therapy rather than, say, the passage of time. - Experimenters may also standardise procedures to minimise the impact of participant reactivity and investigator effects on the validity of the outcome - The use of single-blind and double-blind procedures are designed to achieve the same aim - In a single-blind procedure participants are not made aware of the aims of the study until they have taken part (to reduce the effect of demand characteristics on their behaviour) - In a double-blind study, a third party conducts the investigation without knowing its main purpose either (which reduces both demand characteristics and investigator effects and thus improves validity)
how can you use questionaires to improve validity?
Many questionnaires and psychological tests incorporate a lie scale within the questions in order to assess the consistency of a respondent’s response and to control for the effects of social desirability bias. Validity may be further enhanced by assuring respondents, that all data submitted will remain anonymous.
how can observations be used to improve validity? (use AI to summarise this)
Observational research may produce findings that have high ecological validity as there may be minimal intervention by the researcher. This is especially the case if the observer remains undetected, as in covert observations, meaning that the behaviour of those observed is likely to be natural and authentic. In addition, behavioural categories that are too broad, overlapping or ambiguous may have a negative impact on the validity of the data collected.
how can qualitative methods improve validity?
Qualitative methods of research are usually thought of as having higher ecological validity than more quantitative, less interpretative methods of research. This is because the depth and detail associated with case studies and interviews, for instance, is better able to reflect the participant’s reality.
what is interpretative validity?
However, the researcher may still have to demonstrate the interpretative validity of their conclusions – this is the extent to which the researcher’s interpretation of events matches those of their participants. This can be demonstrated through such things as the coherence of the researcher’s reporting and the inclusion of direct quotes from participants within the report.
what is triangulation?
Validity is further enhanced through triangulation – the use of a number of different sources as evidence for example, data compiled through interviews with friends and family, personal diaries, observations etc.
