RM Chpt 4 Flashcards
(19 cards)
Adequacy of the operational definition of variables
Construct validity:
Any event, situation, behavior, or individual characteristics that varies
variables
Increase in one variable results in increase in another
Positive linear relationship
Increase in one variable results in decrease in another
Negative linear relationship
Increase in one variable result in systematic increase and decrease in another
Includes U-shaped and inverted U-shaped curves
Curvilinear relationship
Flat-line graph
No relationship
Numerical index of the strength of relationship between variables
Correlation coefficient:
Direction of cause and effect
Nonexperimental method
Relationship between two variables because of extraneous variable
Third-variable or confounding variable:
Extraneous variables are kept constant
Experimental method
Experimental control:
Extraneous variables are eliminated
Randomization:
Considered to be the cause
Usually manipulated by the researcher
Independent variables
Considered to be the effect
Usually measured by the researcher
Dependent variables
Strong internal validity requires:
Temporal precedence
Covariation between the two variables
Elimination of plausible alternative explanations
Independent variable is manipulated in a field setting
Field experiment:
Characteristics of an individual
Participant variables:
Adequacy of the operational definition of variables
Construct validity
Ability to draw conclusions about causal relationships
Internal validity
Extent to which results can be generalized to other populations and settings
External validity
