1.17 Year 2 Research Methods - Reliability Flashcards Preview

A Level AQA Psychology WIP > 1.17 Year 2 Research Methods - Reliability > Flashcards

Flashcards in 1.17 Year 2 Research Methods - Reliability Deck (13)
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1
Q

Reliability

A

How consistent finding from an investigation is

2
Q

Reliability of experiments

A

High due to high levels of control over CVs and EVs. Easier to replicate due to use of standardised procedures allowing cause and effect to be established

3
Q

Reliability of correlations

A

High due to quantitative data that is measured and statistically analysed

4
Q

Reliability of self-report

A

Variable, structured interviews are easily replicable so thus reliable. Unstructured are not easily replicated due to use of different questions so less reliable. Varies further depending on use of open or closed questionnaires.

5
Q

Reliability of Observations

A

Variable, reliable when coding is used but when observing can be open to interpretation so subjective making them less reliable. Controlled vs natural observation also has a role in this

6
Q

Reliability of Content Analysis

A

Quantitative CA is not open to interpretation so more reliable and easier to replicate in terms of coding. Qualitative CA is open to interpretation, can’t always be replicated so less reliable

7
Q

Reliability of case studies

A

Low as they are too subjective and open to interpretation. Affected researcher bias e.g. loss of insight and becoming invested in the study due to longitudinal nature so less reliable and very hard to replicate

8
Q

Test-retest method

A

Used to check research methods e.g. questionnaires level of reliability. Tools used in a test are the same but given at different times, if they are reliable then the results should be the same or similar each time someone else uses them. Timing has to be perfect to avoid participants remembering the answers of the test. In short, same tools, same people, different occasions – 80% similarity or more needed for reliability.

9
Q

Inter-rater/observer reliability

A

Used in observations/content analysis/interviews. For example with transcripts, these are open to interpretation and hold subjectivity bias. Often to increase the reliability, more than one will take part in the observation, observers will watch the same event multiple times via a recording and score independently before comparing

10
Q

Improving validity in questionnaires

A
  • Test re-test method
  • Re-Write questions
  • Replace open with closed questions
11
Q

Improving validity in experimental methods

A
  • Standardised procedures to allow replicability

- Ensure high control over the EV

12
Q

Improving validity in interviews

A
  • Use same interviewer
  • Ensure correct training given to interviewer, increases reliability
  • Use structured interviews
13
Q

Improving validity in observations

A
  • Pre-agree categories
  • Controlled observations
  • Standardised Procedures

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