Variable quiz Flashcards
What term refers to a variable that cannot be observed or measured directly but is useful for describing and explaining behavior?
(construct)
operational variable
theoretical variable
hypothetical variable
The purpose of an operational definition is to ____.
describe the relationship between a construct and theory
provide a method for analyzing data related to a hypothetical construct
(provide a definition and a method for measuring a hypothetical construct)
provide a method for integrating a construct into a theory
When using operational definitions, it is important to keep in mind that the operational definition ____.
must provide a direct measure of the construct
must provide a valid method of measurement but need not be reliable
should include extra components that are not part of the construct
(is not the same as the construct itself)
A measurement procedure is valid if it ____.
produces measurements that are stable and consistent
(measures what you intend it to measure)
produces measurements that make sense
produces measurements that are obvious
A researcher developed a new intelligence test for elementary school children. However, the researcher fears that the scores from the test may actually be measuring the children’s reading ability. To show that the test is really measuring intelligence and not reading ability, the researcher must demonstrate ____validity.
face
concurrent
convergent
(divergent)
Establishing the reliability of a measurement procedure by using the procedure to measure the same individuals on two separate occasions and comparing the two sets of scores is known as ____ reliability.
split-half
internal
(test-retest)
inter-rater
Using a PET scan to measure brain activity while participants solve mathematics problems is an example of using what modality of measurement?
self-report
survey
behavioral
(physiological)
Using an anonymous questionnaire to determine how many times students send or receive text messages during class is an example of using what modality of measurement?
(self-report)
survey
behavioral
physiological
Counting the number of times a third-grade student leaves his seat without permission during a 30-minute observation period is an example of using what modality of measurement?
self-report
survey
(behavioral)
physiological
What term is used for an external factor that may influence or distort the measurements in a research study?
(artifact)
aberration
demand characteristic
bias factor
