Research Methods in Psychology: Validity and Variables

The extent to which a measurement of a concept is related to measurements of other concepts based on theoretical grounds. It examines how well a test measures the construct it's designed to measure, considering its relationship with other related constructs.

Degree of agreement between results of different measures of the same concept. A high correlation is expected.

Degree of agreement between measurements of different concepts; a low correlation is expected.

The extent to which a measure is related to an observed criterion (observable outcome).

The extent to which a measurement predicts a future outcome.

A characteristic that can vary between units of analysis.

The process of translating abstract concepts into measurable variables in a research question.

A type of variable that has categories or groups, with no inherent order or ranking.

A type of variable that has categories that can be ordered or ranked.

A type of variable that can take on any value within a range, and has equal intervals between values.

A type of variable that has a true zero point, meaning the absence of the variable means it is zero.

The variable that is expected to influence or cause a change in another variable.

The variable that is measured or observed as a result of changes in the independent variable.

This research approach seeks to understand complex social phenomena through in-depth exploration and interpretation of rich data, often focusing on individual experiences and perspectives.

This approach aims to test hypotheses and quantify relationships between variables using numerical data and statistical analysis. It often seeks to generalize findings to larger populations.

A research process that starts with observations and specific data and gradually develops broader theories or explanations based on patterns emerging from the data.

A research process that starts with a predetermined theory or hypothesis and then uses data to test its validity. It aims to confirm or refute the initial hypothesis.

A research approach that focuses on studying social phenomena in a natural context, capturing the complexity and nuances of human experiences.

This method involves studying social interactions and communication within a specific social setting. It involves observing and analyzing patterns of communication and power.

A measurement scale where the distances between values are meaningful, but ratios are not. The value '0' does not indicate absence.

A measurement scale where both the distances and ratios between values are meaningful. The value '0' represents absence.

The extent to which a measurement tool consistently produces similar results under similar conditions.

The extent to which a measurement tool accurately measures the intended construct or concept.

A type of validity that assesses whether a measurement tool appears to be measuring what it's supposed to, based on the judgment of experts.

A type of validity that examines how well a measurement tool relates to an established criterion or measure.

A type of validity that examines whether a measurement tool differentiates between groups that are known to differ on the construct being measured.

A type of validity that examines how well a measurement tool correlates with other measures that are theoretically related to the construct being measured.

A sampling technique where the population is divided into clusters, and a random sample of clusters is selected. Then, all units within the selected clusters are sampled.

A sampling error that occurs when units within a cluster are more similar to each other than units from different clusters.

Sampling error is more likely to occur in cluster sampling compared to other types of random sampling.

A technique for reducing sampling errors in cluster sampling by selecting clusters with probabilities proportional to their size.

A method for choosing units from a population in a random way.

A list of all units in the population from which the sample is drawn.

A type of random sampling where each unit in the population has an equal chance of being selected.

A sampling technique where units are selected from the population based on a pattern (e.g., selecting every 10th unit on a list).

A research approach that systematically investigates phenomena using a structured process that includes observation, hypothesis formation, testing, and analysis. This approach aims to provide objective and verifiable knowledge about the world.

A research method that collects data from a large group of people through surveys, questionnaires, or interviews. It aims to gather information about attitudes, opinions, behaviors, and experiences.

A research method that involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable. It aims to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables.

A research method that involves observing and studying phenomena in their natural settings, often using qualitative data collection methods like interviews, observations, or field notes.

Utilizing pre-existing data for research purposes. This data has often been collected for other purposes or by other organizations.

The ability of a research method to produce consistent and reliable results if repeated multiple times. It refers to the extent to which the research method is free from random errors or biases.

The extent to which a research method measures what it claims to measure. It refers to the accuracy of the research method in capturing the intended concept or variable.

A principle in scientific research where theories and claims are tested and can be proven wrong. This allows for the advancement of knowledge by identifying flaws in existing theories and promoting alternative explanations.