Validity and Face Validity – Key Concepts

15 question-and-answer flashcards covering measurement validity, face validity, reactivity, and strategies to minimize reactivity.

What is the definition of measurement validity?

The extent to which a measurement tool actually measures the theoretical construct it is intended to measure.

Why do social scientists create operational definitions for theoretical concepts?

Because theoretical constructs cannot be directly observed or measured, operational definitions translate them into observable indicators so they can be studied empirically.

Which self-report questionnaire is commonly used as an operational measure of depression in research?

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

What does face validity evaluate in a measurement instrument?

Whether, on its surface, the instrument appears to measure the intended variable.

Who typically judges face validity?

Experts, judges, or the participants themselves based on logic and common sense rather than statistics.

Does establishing face validity require statistical analysis?

No. It is based on subjective impressions and logical assessment.

Can an instrument possess true validity even when face validity is low? Give an example.

Yes; for example, the Rorschach test or eye-movement measures during sleep may be valid despite lacking obvious face validity.

What is reactivity in the context of measurement?

A situation in which the act of measuring changes the behavior or responses being measured.

How can high face validity increase reactivity?

When participants easily see what is being measured, their awareness can alter their behavior and thus bias the results.

What is the difference between specific and non-specific reactivity?

Specific reactivity arises when participants think they know the precise research hypothesis, while non-specific reactivity stems from simply being in an experimental situation or under observation.

Provide an example of a measurement that may cause specific reactivity.

Attitude questionnaires, where answering the questions can influence subsequent behavior.

Provide an example of a study context that may involve non-specific reactivity.

Electrophysiological studies such as ERP recordings, where being wired to equipment can affect participants.

What is one strategy researchers use to reduce reactivity by avoiding participants’ awareness?

Employing unobtrusive (non-obtrusive) measures such as analyzing physical traces or archival records.

Give one example of an unobtrusive physical trace measure.

Examining the wear patterns on museum carpets to infer visitor traffic.

What is habituation as a technique to combat reactivity?

Repeated exposure to the experimental setting (e.g., constant experimenter, extended baseline, training sessions) so that participants become accustomed and behave more naturally.