Methodological Issues Flashcards
Meaning of representative
If the sample is similar to the make up of the target population. If lacks representativeness eg all male means lacks generalisability to wider population
The types of validity
Population: if generalisability of findings is low ,external: can be generalised to other settings as realistic, representative or no bias. Face: how good research tests what it’s meant to be testing. Construct: test measures what it sets out to measure (results of a test could correlate with other tests of same constrict so have similar results)l criterion or predictive: how much one measure predicts another e.g iq predicting success in education. Concurrent: test gives same results as another test measuring same behaviour. Also internal and ecological
The types of reliability
Internal: first and second half of a test give same results (consistent). Test this using split half method (test one half then other and see if same level of score. External: redo it test 6 months later tested using test retest method also if sample size is large (not distorted by outliers). Inter rated reliability: two observers observe same behaviour and correlate results, having an independent experimenter to be objective
What are demand characteristics
If p knows aim of research, they may act in a way they think the researcher wants them to act
What is social desirability
When ps want to present an image of being a good member of society / aim to try and make the p look good
What are researched/observer effects
When ps influenced by the researchers presence/ researcher may encourage experimental conditions which affects results
What is researcher/observer bias
When a researchers expectations, opinions or hopes influence what they see or record in a study by choosing ps, rejecting data..
What ethical guidelines are in the area of respect
Informed consent, right to withdraw and confidentiality
What is in the area of competence in ethical guidelines
The need for psychologists to work within their own capabilities, not giving advice to ps if not qualified to do so and check research with peers
What ethical guidelines are within the area of responsibility
Protection from harm and debrief
What ethical guideline is within integrity for ethics
Deception
What affects sampling bias
Age split, gender split, the sampling method, using animals, one culture but- justified if represents the target population
Define validity and reliability
Validity refers to whether a study is accurately measuring what it intends to measure (and extent findings can be generalised p) reliability refers to whether the procedure for a study is carried out in a standardised consistent way (and extent findings are showing a consistent effect)
How to answer an evaluate the validity/reliable in this study q
For 6 marks-2 paras with point (increased or decreased by..) add context and comment
