Methodological Issues Flashcards
What is internal validity?
Refers to whether the effects observed in a study are due to the manipulation of the IV and not some other factor
There is a casual relationship between the IV and DV
How can internal validity be improved?
By controlling extraneous variables
Using standardised instructions
Counterbalancing
Eliminating demand characteristics and experimenter effects
What is ecological validity?
Refers to the extent to which the results of a study can be generalised to other real life setting
How can ecological validity be improved?
By setting experiments in a more natural setting
e.g. field experiments, naturalistic observation
What is predictive validity?
The degree to which a test accurately predicts a behaviour that will occur in the future
What is reliability?
Refers to the consistency of a research study or measuring test
Can be internal (assesses the consistency of results across items within a test) or external (the extent to which a measure varies from one use to another)
What is internal reliability?
Assess the consistency of results across the items within a test
e.g. within a questionnaire
What is external reliability?
Refers to the extent to which a measure varies from one use to another
e.g. replicating the same standardised procedure
What is generalisability?
Refers to the extent to which the results of a subject can be generalised to other people (population validity)
How can generalisability be improved?
Using stratified sampling to select participants
What is objectivity?
All sources of bias are minimised and personal or subjective ideas are eliminated
How can objectivity be improved?
Can be improved by collecting quantitative data
What is subjectivity?
Refers to a persons opinion influencing the way that they interpret qualitative data
How can subjectivity be improved?
Can be improved by avoiding open questions
What is credibility?
Refers to the believability and reliability of information received from outside sources
