Assess Your Research Methods Knowledge with this Construct

Fundamentals of Research Methods: Constructs, Variables, Measurement Properties, Questionnaires, Validity, and Reliability

• Constructs are abstract concepts used to describe things not easily observable/measured.
• Variables are quantifiable and directly measurable, and a measure of variables is representative of the construct.
• Independent (predictor) variables are expected to have an impact/influence/effect on the dependent (outcome) variable being measured.
• The process involves identifying, defining, and deriving a score on variables reflecting the construct.
• Measurement properties include magnitude, intervals, and rational zero, which are used to analyze data from nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales.
• Categorical and continuous data are two types of data that can be analyzed using different measurement properties and scales.
• Questionnaires are an efficient way of gathering data, but common errors include complicated or frustrating questions, double-barrelled questions, and biased or loaded questions.
• Validity refers to being accurate and involves conceptual, construct, convergent, discriminant, content, predictive, internal, and external validity.
• Reliability refers to consistency and involves test-retest, inter-rater, and internal reliability, as well as the law of big numbers and Chronbach’s alpha.
• Chronbach’s alpha is a statistic used to measure the internal consistency/reliability of a set of items, and coefficients range from 0 to 1.
• An alpha of .70+ is considered adequate, while anything below 0.5 is poor.
• An alpha of .65 is around the good mark but could still be improved/questioned/noted as a limitation.

Key Concepts in Research Methodology

• The scientific method involves observations, hypothesis testing, data analysis, and conclusion drawing.
• Constructs are abstract concepts, while variables are quantifiable aspects that represent constructs.
• Different scales of measurement have different measurement properties and require different methods of analysis.
• Questionnaires are an efficient way of gathering data, but common errors in design should be avoided.
• Validity and reliability are important considerations in research design.
• Experimental design involves manipulating the independent variable to investigate causal relationships.
• Generalization involves applying study results to a larger target group, and random selection is used to minimize selection bias.
• Repeated measure design involves measuring the same participants on multiple occasions, and controlling for order effects and progressive error is important.
• Non-experimental designs are preferred for studying relations between variables or when it is impractical or unethical to manipulate variables.
• Qualitative research designs focus on exploring and understanding phenomena.
• Threats to validity include history effects, maturation effects, and participant reaction bias, which can be controlled through various strategies.
• Central tendency and variability measures help describe the distribution of scores in a sample, and correlation coefficients can be used to quantify relationships between variables.

Test your knowledge of research methods with this quiz on constructs, variables, measurement properties, questionnaires, validity, and reliability. Learn about the difference between constructs and variables, the importance of measurement properties, and common errors to avoid in questionnaires. Explore the various types of validity and reliability, as well as the use of Chronbach's alpha to measure internal consistency. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand the fundamentals of research methods through this informative quiz.