Quantitative Data and Reliability Measures

  • Physiological Measures
    • Physiological measures are manifestations of a particular phenomenon.
    • Examples include:
      • Breaking out in a rash or hives due to stress or allergies.
      • Measuring biological data such as brain activity, heart rate, or blood pressure.
      • Analyzing hormone levels or taking blood tests.
    • Example (Fear Study): To measure fear while watching a horror movie (e.g., The Conjuring), a physiological measure could involve attaching a heart rate monitor to record overall average heart rate and specific heart rate spikes during jump scares.
      • Drawback: Physiological measures can be ambiguous because different experiences can elicit similar bodily responses. For instance, increased heart rate can indicate fear, excitement (e.g., roller coasters), or anxiety. Crying can indicate sadness, anger, or extreme joy. While the physiological response itself (e.g., heart rate increase) is undeniable, the interpretation of what it signifies can be subjective.
  • Which Operationalization is Best?
    • The question of which measurement method (self-report, observational, or physiological) is