Psychometrics - Reliability and Generalizability

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts and terms related to reliability, validity, and generalizability in psychometrics.

Reliability

The consistency of a measurement, indicated by similar results when tested under similar conditions.

Measurement Error (Error Variance)

Influences that distort results but are unrelated to what the test is supposed to measure.

Self-Report Reliability Issues

Factors affecting reliability in self-reported measures, including attention levels and conscientiousness.

Extraneous Factors

External influences that distort measurement results.

Precision

The degree of accuracy in measurements taken.

Experimenter Effects

Influences on results due to behaviors or characteristics of the experimenter.

Environmental Factors

External conditions like noise or temperature that may affect measurement results.

Aggregation

The process of averaging multiple measurements to improve reliability by canceling random errors.

Validity

The degree to which a measurement accurately reflects what it is intended to measure.

Construct

A theoretical concept inferred from observable behaviors, such as intelligence or sociability.

Construct Validation

The process of determining whether a test measures the intended theoretical construct.

Generalizability

The extent to which research findings apply across different situations, people, and methods.

WEIRD Samples

Research samples that are Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic, often limiting generalizability.

Psychometric Techniques

Methods to improve reliability in measurements, including standardization and careful research procedures.

Validity vs. Reliability

A measure must be reliable to be valid, but a reliable measure is not necessarily valid.

Participant State

Variability in participant responses due to factors like mood and health.

Cultural Diversity in Research

The lack of representation of diverse groups in psychological research, affecting the applicability of findings.

Construct Inference

Inferring unseen traits like intelligence from observable behaviors or outcomes.

Gender Bias in Research

The past tendency in psychological research to generalize findings from male-only samples to females.