Measurement Error in Behavioral Sciences: Constructs and Observables

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What is the primary effect of random error on the data?

It eliminates the bias in the measurement

It affects the average performance of the group

It reduces the measurement error

It increases the variability around the average (correct)

Which type of error tends to yield a systematic lower agreement rate in survey responses?

Reliability error

Systematic error (correct)

Random error

Measurement error

What is the primary reason why constructs in the behavioral sciences cannot be measured directly?

They are not quantifiable

They are not theoretically well-defined

They are not of practical interest

They are abstract in nature (correct)

What is the difference between the value of a characteristic provided by the respondent and the true value of that characteristic referred to as?

Measurement error Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of systematic error result in?

A bias in the measurement Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of establishing a rule of correspondence between a theoretical concept and observable behaviors called?

Operationalization Signup and view all the answers

How does random error affect the average performance of the group?

It does not affect the average Signup and view all the answers

What do behavioral manifestations or proxies typically reflect in relation to a construct?

Very specific aspects of the construct Signup and view all the answers

Why are constructs central to behavioral theory?

Because they are the building blocks of any behavioral theory Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the difference between the value of a characteristic provided by the respondent and the true value of that characteristic?

Measurement error Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the continuum along which subjects are positioned in relation to a construct?

Latent Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between overt behaviors and a construct?

Overt behaviors represent the construct manifestation Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consideration when deciding on the most appropriate data collection method?

The desired level of measurement error Signup and view all the answers

What can occur due to poorly worded survey instructions or ambiguous definitions?

Data specification problems Signup and view all the answers

What is a factor that can influence the response to a question?

The interviewer's effect Signup and view all the answers

What can be a limitation of the questions in a questionnaire?

They are incapable of eliciting the required information Signup and view all the answers

What is a consideration when designing a questionnaire?

The visual layout of the questionnaire Signup and view all the answers

What are the four sources of measurement error mentioned in the text?

The questionnaire, the data collection method, the interviewer, and the respondent Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary way an interviewer can introduce error in survey responses?

By probing inappropriately when handed an inadequate response Signup and view all the answers

What is a source of measurement error that arises from the respondent's perspective?

Respondent interpretation of questionnaire items Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of forming memories or retaining knowledge related to in the context of measurement error?

Encoding of information Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of an interviewer varying their inflection or tone of voice?

Respondent confusion or misleading Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of choosing an appropriate answer from available options based on retrieved information?

Judgment of appropriate answer Signup and view all the answers

How can an interviewer's personal mannerisms influence survey responses?

By displaying other changes in personal mannerisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of administering different treatments to randomly selected subsamples of the full survey sample?

To quantify measurement error Signup and view all the answers

In which type of setting can measurement error be studied?

In both qualitative and quantitative settings Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why survey managers emphasize controlling the sources of measurement error?

Because it is expensive and difficult to implement Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of triangulating across several measures?

To account for different biases in each measure Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of double-checking data?

To identify errors in data collection Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of making observations or measurements as unobtrusive as possible?

To reduce social desirability biases Signup and view all the answers