Variables & Measures

Dependent Variable

Variable being measured

Only used in experimental design

What are dependent varbiables referred to in correlation studies?

Predictor/outcome variables

Nominal scale

Nonordered categories

Ordinal Scales

Ordered categories

Interval scale

Numeral, no meaningful 0 point, can be in scales with categorical anchors Ratio

Ratio Scale

Numeral, meaningful 0 point, exact spacing

Construct Validity

accruacy of operational definitions

Nonverbal scale

pictural response

Face Validity

How valid is a measurment of a variable

Inter-rater/ inter-observer reliablility

how similar responses are between observers/raters

indepednent variables

manipulated variable

presense absense IV

Existence/lack of specific treatment

Type Variable

Manipulation of type of treatment

Amount Variable

Vary amount of a treatment

Quai-independent variable

comparison of groups without variable manipulation

Subject Variable

Pre-existing charactersitics of subjects

A/ D.A quasi-independent variable

A: test variables that cannot be manipulated

D.A: cannot determine causation (low internal validity)

Internal Validity(causation)

extent that cofounding variables are controlled for

External Validity

generizability

Howthorne Effect

Change in behavior due to observation effect

how to control hawthorne effect

Naturalistic observation

Social Desirability Bias

Present themselves in a way that seems more favorable