Research Methodology and Validity

A set of flashcards covering key concepts related to research methodology, validity, and types of biases that can affect studies.

External Validity

The extent to which findings can be generalized from the sample to the target population.

Population Validity

The quality reflecting how well the sample represents the target population.

Ecological Validity

The extent to which findings can be generalized from the experiment to other settings or situations.

Construction Validity

Characterizes the quality of operationalizations and the accuracy of the measurements used.

Internal Validity

The procedural quality of the experiment, ensuring that confounding variables are controlled.

Triangulation

A combination of different methods for collecting and interpreting data to increase credibility.

Method Triangulation

Using various methods to obtain results and see if they are consistent.

Researcher Triangulation

Combining observations from different researchers to enhance credibility.

Experimenter Bias

When researchers unintentionally influence the results of their own studies.

Social Desirability Bias

Participants’ tendency to respond or behave in a way they think will make them liked or accepted.

Dominant Respondent Bias

Occurs in group interviews when one participant influences the responses of others.

Confirmation Bias

When a researcher has a prior belief and subconsciously seeks to confirm it through research.

Leading Question Bias

When question wording encourages responses in a particular direction.

Question Order Bias

When responses to prior questions influence responses to subsequent questions.

Generalizing/Transferring the findings of the Study

Population Validity, Ecological Validity, Construction Validity