Validity Flashcards
What is validity?
Refers to the extent to which an observed effect is genuine
What is internal validity?
The extent to which a test measures what it is supposed to measure-are the effects due to the manipulation of the IV and not some other factor.
What is external validity?
The extent to which results can be generalised outside of the research setting
What are two forms of external validity?
- Temporal validity
- Ecological validity
What is temporal validity?
A form of external validity- the extent to which findings from a study can be generalised to other particular time periods
What is ecological validity?
A form of external validity- the extent to which findings from a study can be generalised to other settings
What is mundane realism?
Refers to how realistic the task in the experiment is
Outline the two ways of assessing validity
- Face validity - the extent to which test items look like what the test claims to measure
- Concurrent validity - The extent to which a psychological study relates to an existing similar measure.
How can researchers improve the validity of experiments?
- Use a control group- can compare changes in DV due to effects of IV
- Standardised procedures- minimise participant and investigator effects
Single blind procedure (reduces demand characteristic) and double-blind procedure (reduces demand characteristics and investigator effects)
2 ways researchers improve the validity of questionnaires
- Include a lie-scale- assess consistency of responses and reduces effects of social desirability bias
2.Ensure anonymity
2 ways researchers improve the validity of observations
- Use a covert observation- participants’ behaviour more likely to be natural and authentic
Ensure behavioural categories are not too broad, not overlapping or ambiguous.
2 ways researchers can improve the validity of qualitative methods?
- Demonstrate interpretive validity- researcher’s interpretation of events matches participant’s. Researcher must include direct quotes from participant’s reports
- Triangulation- Use number of different sources as evidence (interviews with family, friends, personal diaries, observations etc.).
What is social desirability bias?
Wanting to appear more positive or perfect that reality in order to be accepted/admired. Reduces validity as they may not give truthful answers.
What is population validity?
The extent to which findings from a study can be generalised to other people
