Prelude to Research Validity Flashcards

Flashcards defining core concepts and types of validity in scientific research methods based on the lecture material.

Research Hypothesis (RH)

A guess about the relationships between behaviors.

Validity

Basically means accuracy or correctness.

External Validity

The extent to which research results can be accurately generalized to other participants, situations, and times.

Internal Validity

The degree to which it is correct to give a causal interpretation to the relationship found between variables, determined by whether the design eliminates alternative hypotheses (confounds).

Measurement Validity

The extent to which variables and data accurately represent the behaviors intended to be studied.

Statistical Conclusion Validity

Evaluating whether or not the data analysis produced the correct answer and reached the correct conclusion about whether a relationship exists between variables.

Confounds

Alternative hypotheses about what causes what in a study testing a causal research hypothesis.

Observation

A data collection procedure that involves watching and recording participants' behavior.

Self-report

A data collection procedure that involves asking participants to report their behavior, opinions, or other personal info.