Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which type of variable has an infinite number of possible values and can have values between any two given points?
Which type of variable has an infinite number of possible values and can have values between any two given points?
What is the essential factor in measurement that ensures it accurately reflects the concept it is intended to measure?
What is the essential factor in measurement that ensures it accurately reflects the concept it is intended to measure?
Which level of measurement includes categories that have a meaningful order but the distances between them are not necessarily equal?
Which level of measurement includes categories that have a meaningful order but the distances between them are not necessarily equal?
In the research planning process, when are quality control methods most crucially applied?
In the research planning process, when are quality control methods most crucially applied?
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Which validity type indicates the extent to which a measure correlates with an established criterion?
Which validity type indicates the extent to which a measure correlates with an established criterion?
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Which term describes the difference between the true score and the observed score in measurement?
Which term describes the difference between the true score and the observed score in measurement?
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What is the primary characteristic of a standardized measurement instrument?
What is the primary characteristic of a standardized measurement instrument?
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What distinguishes direct measures from indirect measures in research?
What distinguishes direct measures from indirect measures in research?
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Which type of error in measurement is predictable and consistent across observations?
Which type of error in measurement is predictable and consistent across observations?
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In the process of defining a target population, what is the next step after identifying the sample?
In the process of defining a target population, what is the next step after identifying the sample?
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Study Notes
Planning and Process of Research
- Formulate a problem to address a research question
- Select a research design to guide the study
- Define the population and sample, with the sample being a representative portion of the population
- Identify the target population, including groups of people, objects, etc.
- Establish a sampling frame to define the population
- Select measurement variables that are relevant to the research problem, reliable, and sensitive
- Identify instruments for measuring variables, and validate them for the specific population
- Collect data, using quality control methods to ensure accuracy
- Analyze data, interpret findings, and disseminate the results
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Measure
- Purpose: determine the research question being addressed
- Public vs. Private: consider the level of sensitivity required
- Direct vs. Indirect: decide whether to measure the construct directly or indirectly
- Objective vs. Subjective: choose whether to focus on what is or what is believed to be
- Standardized vs. Customized: select between standardized measures for comparisons or customized measures for specific populations
- Individual vs. Collective: decide whether to measure individual or group characteristics
- Performance-Oriented vs. Self-Report: choose between measuring performance or self-reported data
- Cognitive vs. Affective: focus on intellectual functioning or emotions/feelings
- Psychomotor: assess motor skills and dexterity
- Verbal vs. Nonverbal: decide whether to use written/spoken language or non-language based methods
The Nature of Measurement
- Measurement: assigning numbers to objects or events according to rules
- Data: collected measurements
- Data points: individual measurements
- Data set: a group of data points
- Variables: traits or characteristics that can be measured
- Quantitative variables: vary in amount and can be measured in units
- Qualitative variables: vary in kind and are not measured in units
- Discrete variables: have a limited number of values with no values between points
- Continuous variables: have an infinite number of values with values between points
- Levels of Measurement: including nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales
Scales and Indices
- Scales: instruments that measure variables
- Indices: combine multiple variables to create a more complex measure
Types of Measurement
- Measurement Error: the difference between the true score and the observed score
- Systematic Error: predictable error
- Random Error: unpredictable error
- Reliability: the consistency of measurement
- Validity: the accuracy of measurement, including content, criterion-related, and construct validity
- Sensitivity: the ability of a measure to detect changes in the variable
- Specificity: the ability of a measure to detect changes in only the intended variable
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Description
This quiz covers the steps involved in planning and conducting research, including formulating a problem, selecting a research design, and identifying measurement variables. Test your knowledge of research methodology and statistical analysis!
