Research Planning and Process

10 Questions

Which type of variable has an infinite number of possible values and can have values between any two given points?

Continuous variables

What is the essential factor in measurement that ensures it accurately reflects the concept it is intended to measure?

Validity

Which level of measurement includes categories that have a meaningful order but the distances between them are not necessarily equal?

Ordinal

In the research planning process, when are quality control methods most crucially applied?

Collecting data

Which validity type indicates the extent to which a measure correlates with an established criterion?

Criterion-related validity

Which term describes the difference between the true score and the observed score in measurement?

Measurement error

What is the primary characteristic of a standardized measurement instrument?

It allows for comparisons across different studies

What distinguishes direct measures from indirect measures in research?

Direct measures target the construct directly, while indirect measures assess related constructs

Which type of error in measurement is predictable and consistent across observations?

Systematic error

In the process of defining a target population, what is the next step after identifying the sample?

Sampling frame

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