Week 3

Question 1

Validity of measurement

Answer 1

the extent to which the data constitute accurate measurements of what is supposed to be measured

Question 2

Population validity

Answer 2

The extent to which the sample gives an accurate representation of the population which it is supposed to represent

Question 3

Validity of design

Answer 3

The extent to which the comparisons being made are appropriate and accurate to address research question

Question 4

Reliability

Answer 4

s the stability of the measures – the extent to which reported measurement yields constant results (over a reasonably short period of time, during which change would not be expected to occur).

ExampleA yard stick yields same measurement for length when the distance between two points is measured twice.

Reliability is checked by measuring things twice and looking at the agreement of the two measures

Question 5

Variables

Answer 5

A variable is a measure of quantity (Is the characteristic of the individual to be measured or observed). In survey research we distinguish between 4 types

Question 6

Descriptive variable

Answer 6

Those which are just to be reported on, with no conclusions drawn about causality or inference.

Question 7

Dependent variable

Answer 7

Caused or influenced by others

Question 8

Independent variable

Answer 8

doing the causing or influencing

Question 9

Extraneous variables

Answer 9

Provide an alternative causal explanation, casting doubt on the one we are advancing.