Chapter. 3: Defining and Measuring Variables

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering the key concepts and definitions related to defining and measuring variables in research.

A statement that specifies the procedures used to measure or manipulate a variable.

Operational Definition

The extent to which a measurement accurately measures what it is intended to measure.

Validity of Measurement

The degree to which a measurement is consistent and stable across time and different observers.

Reliability of Measurement

The extent to which a measurement appears to measure what it is supposed to measure based on casual observation.

Face Validity

The degree to which a new measure correlates with an established measure of the same variable.

Concurrent Validity

The ability of a measure to accurately predict outcomes.

Predictive Validity

The extent to which a measurement behaves in ways consistent with the theoretical construct it is intended to measure.

Construct Validity

The consistency of a measure when it is administered to the same group at two different points in time.

Test-Retest Reliability

The degree to which different raters give consistent estimates of the same phenomenon.

Inter-Rater Reliability

A scale that classifies data into distinct categories without any order or ranking.

Nominal Scale

A scale that provides an order to the data but does not indicate the magnitude of differences between them.

Ordinal Scale

A scale that has ordered categories with equal intervals between values but no true zero point.

Interval Scale

A scale that has ordered categories with equal intervals and a true zero point.

Ratio Scale

Assessment tools that collect data directly from participants about their feelings, thoughts, or behaviors.

Self-Report Measures

Measurements that assess bodily responses or physical states.

Physiological Measures

Assessments that involve observing participants' behaviors.

Behavioral Measures

External factors that can influence or distort the results of a measurement.

Artifacts

Cues that inform participants about the purpose or expected outcomes of the study, potentially influencing their behavior.

Demand Characteristics

A change in behavior by study participants because they are aware they are being observed.

Reactivity