Validity Flashcards
validity
the extent to which an observed effect is genuine
face validity
a basic form of validity in which a measure is scrutinised to determine whether it appears to measure what it is supposed to measure
can be determined by ‘eyeballing’ the measuring instrument or by passing it to an expert to make sure that it measures what it is supposed to
concurrent validity
the extent to which a psychological measure relates to an existing similar measure
of a particular test or scale is demonstrated when the results obtained are very close to those obtained on another well-established test.
ecological validity
the extent to which findings from a research study can be generalised to other settings and situations. A form of external validity.
concerns generalising the findings of one study to another, most particular to ‘everyday life’
temporal validity
the extent to which findings from a research study can be generalised to other historical times and eras. A form of external validity.
concerns whether findings of a study remain truthful overtime, can be applied to Asch’s and Freud’s research
types of validity
This includes whether the researcher has measured what they intended to measure (internal validity) and whether the findings can be generalised to the wider world (external validity).
internal validity
This refers to whether the effects observed in an experiment are due to the manipulation of the IV and not a different factor. Demand characteristics challenge internal validity as they may guess the aims of the study.
external validity
This relates to factors outside of the investigation. There are many types of this validity eg ecological and temporal
improving validity in experiments
A control group could be used to assess whether the changes in the DV are actually due to the IV. Procedures may also be standardised to minimise the impact of participant reactivity and investigator effects. Single and double blind procedures are designed to achieve the same aim.
improving validity in observtions
These may have high ecological validity as there is little interception from observers. This is enhanced in covert observations. Also behavioural categories must be specific.
improving validity in qualitative research
Have higher ecological validity than quantitative research because of the depth and detail associated with case studies and interviews. Validity can be enhanced through triangulation.
improving validity in questionnaires
A lie scale is often incorporated within the questions to assess the consistency of responses and to control the effects of social desirability bias. Also participants can be assured that all their data will remain anonymous.
