Reliability and Validity: Chapter 4 Flashcards

Study Notes

Score Components

True Score: The actual measurement of a trait, such as intelligence.
Measurement Error:
- Systematic Error: Consistent errors that occur every time a measurement is taken.
- Random Errors: Errors that occur occasionally without a predictable pattern.
Reliability: Indicates how free a measure is from random error; involves testing variations by measuring twice.
Validity: Reflects the accuracy of a study in measuring the intended concept; success in measuring what researchers aim to measure.
Independence of Reliability and Validity: A measurement can be valid yet unreliable, or reliable yet not valid (e.g., a consistently incorrect bathroom scale).

Reliability

Definition: Refers to the consistency and stability of a measurement.
Test-Retest Reliability: Involves administering the same test to the same individual at two different times.
Internal Consistency Reliability: Evaluates the correlation among different items within a questionnaire.

Construct Validity

Definition: Measures the "truth" of a measurement, addressing whether the intended construct is accurately captured.
Indicators of Construct Validity:
- Face Validity: Whether the measure appears to assess the construct at first glance.
- Content Validity: A measure's comprehensiveness in covering the construct.
- Convergent Validity: The measure should correlate with other measures assessing the same construct.
- Discriminant Validity: The measure should not correlate with measures of different constructs.
- Concurrent Validity: Groups should show predictable differences based on the measure.
- Predictive Validity: The measure’s ability to forecast outcomes it should predict.

Improving Reliability and Validity

Use Established Measures: Leverage tested and validated tools to ensure reliability and validity.
Pilot Test New Scales: Administer the test to a small group to evaluate reliability through consistent results; gather qualitative feedback on face and content validity.
Increase Item Quantity: Adding more items (up to about 20) generally enhances reliability.
Craft Effective Test Items: Focus on clarity and relevance based on established guidelines.
Provide Clear Instructions: Clarifying directions can reduce misunderstandings during assessments.
Consider Face and Content Validity: Ensure items reflect relevant issues and minimize social desirability bias in responses.

Description

This quiz focuses on the essential concepts of reliability and validity from Chapter 4. It covers the components of a score, the true score versus measurement error, and the crucial role of reliability in measurement. Test your understanding of these fundamental topics and prepare for deeper discussions in psychology and research methods.