Validity

Question 1

What is validity?

Answer 1

The extent something measures what it intends to measure, effect on DV caused by IV, findings are genuine and accurate

Question 2

Internal validity

Answer 2

Whether the IV has and effect on the DV or if it was cause by some other confounding variable

Question 3

External validity

Answer 3

If the findings can be generalised beyond the study

Question 4

Issues and dealing with validity

Answer 4

• Using unrepresentative sample: include wide range of pps
• Researcher has influence, trying to work out aim, worried about impression: eliminate extraneous variables, using single or double blind control, standardise procedures
• setting is artificial: ensure it represents real life experiences and real world

Question 5

Predictive validity

Answer 5

Measure associated with future behaviour? Follow up on pps to see if future performance is similar to performance on our measure.

Question 6

Concurrent validity

Answer 6

How well does measure agree with existing measures? Test pps with both new test and established test, should be close agreement

Question 7

Construct validity

Answer 7

Is method measuring all parts of what we are aiming to test? Maintain, define what we are aiming to measure make sure all parts being measured

Question 8

Face validity

Answer 8

Does method seem to measure what you intend? Ask pps what study appears to be measuring, if they all agree on something it has face validity

Question 9

Content validity

Answer 9

Does measure seem to measure what you intend? Panel of experts may be asked to assess measure for validity