Validity

Question 1

What is validity?

Answer 1

Refers to the extent to which an observed effect is genuine

Question 2

What is internal validity?

Answer 2

The extent to which a test measures what it is supposed to measure-are the effects due to the manipulation of the IV and not some other factor.

Question 3

What is external validity?

Answer 3

The extent to which results can be generalised outside of the research setting

Question 4

What are two forms of external validity?

Answer 4

1. Temporal validity
2. Ecological validity

Question 5

What is temporal validity?

Answer 5

A form of external validity- the extent to which findings from a study can be generalised to other particular time periods

Question 6

What is ecological validity?

Answer 6

A form of external validity- the extent to which findings from a study can be generalised to other settings

Question 7

What is mundane realism?

Answer 7

Refers to how realistic the task in the experiment is

Question 8

Outline the two ways of assessing validity

Answer 8

1. Face validity - the extent to which test items look like what the test claims to measure
2. Concurrent validity - The extent to which a psychological study relates to an existing similar measure.

Question 9

How can researchers improve the validity of experiments? 3 WAYS

Answer 9

1. Use a control group- can compare changes in DV due to effects of IV
2. Standardised procedures- minimise participant and investigator effects
3. Single blind procedure (reduces demand characteristic) and double-blind procedure (reduces demand characteristics and investigator effects)

Question 10

2 ways researchers improve the validity of questionnaires

Answer 10

1. Include a lie-scale- assess consistency of responses and reduces effects of social desirability bias
   2.Ensure anonymity

Question 11

2 ways researchers improve the validity of observations

Answer 11

1. Use a covert observation- participants’ behaviour more likely to be natural and authentic
   Ensure behavioural categories are not too broad, not overlapping or ambiguous.

Question 12

2 ways researchers can improve the validity of qualitative methods?

Answer 12

1. Demonstrate interpretive validity- researcher’s interpretation of events matches participant’s. Researcher must include direct quotes from participant’s reports
2. Triangulation- Use number of different sources as evidence (interviews with family, friends, personal diaries, observations etc.).

Question 13

What is social desirability bias?

Answer 13

Wanting to appear more positive or perfect that reality in order to be accepted/admired. Reduces validity as they may not give truthful answers.

Question 14

What is population validity?

Answer 14

The extent to which findings from a study can be generalised to other people