Advanced Research Methods
Unit 3
Reliability and Validity
Reliability
Ability to produce similar results when repeated measurements are made under identical conditions. Inter-rater reliability Test-retest reliability Parallel-forms reliability Split-half reliability
Reliability
Interrater – ratings of multiple observers Test-retest – administering the same test
twice, separated by time Parallel-forms – parallel forms of test
administered Split-half – responses separated into two
halves
Validity
Extent to which a measure assesses what it is intended to measure. Face validity – how well a measure appears to
measure the intended variable Content validity – how well a measure samples
intended content
Validity
Construct validity Measure of a psychological variable
Criterion-related validity Concurrent validity – test scores and score on criterion
are collects at same time Predictive validity – test scores compared with a
criterion measured at a later date
Qualitative vs. Quantitative
Qualitative Researchers provide a verbal summary of
observations Researchers code observations to identify
themes, categorize information, and record observations
Qualitative vs. Quantitative
Quantitative Provides a numerical summary of the
observations. Calculates descriptive statistics (mean, mode,
median).
Types of Dependent Variables
Behavioral measures – record behaviors Physiological measures – assessment of
bodily functions (heart rate, respiration, etc.) Self-report measures – rating scales Implicit measures – assessments participant
is not consciously aware of
Discussion
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