7. RESEARCH METHODS: (VALIDITY, RELIABILITY AND VARIABLES)

Question 1

What is reliability in research?

Answer 1

The extent to which research results are consistent. Reliable studies produce the same results when repeated using the same methods.

Question 2

What is validity in research?

Answer 2

The extent to which a test or research study measures what it claims to be measuring.

Question 3

What is internal validity?

Answer 3

How well a study measures what it intends to measure, especially whether the DV changes solely due to the IV.

Question 4

What increases internal validity in experiments?

Answer 4

Controlling extraneous variables and using a control group.

Question 5

What is external validity?

Answer 5

The extent to which research findings can be generalised beyond the research setting.

Question 6

What are three types of external validity?

Answer 6

Ecological validity, temporal validity and population validity.

Question 7

What is ecological validity?

Answer 7

The extent to which research findings reflect real-world behaviour and settings. This is mainly indicated through the research being conducted in a natural environment.

Question 8

What is population validity?

Answer 8

Whether the results can be generalised to the wider population beyond the sample used.

Question 9

What is temporal validity?

Answer 9

Whether the findings of a study still apply at a different time or era.

Question 10

What is an independent variable (IV)?

Answer 10

The variable that the researcher changes or manipulates in an experiment.

Question 11

What is a dependent variable (DV)?

Answer 11

The variable that is measured; it is affected by the IV.

Question 12

What is a control group?

Answer 12

A group not exposed to the IV; used as a comparison to test the effect of the IV. Used a baseline measure of behaviour.

Question 13

Why is a control group important?

Answer 13

It helps establish cause and effect, improving internal validity.

Question 14

What is an extraneous variable?

Answer 14

Any variable other than the IV that could affect the DV if not controlled.

Question 15

What is a confounding variable?

Answer 15

An extraneous variable that wasn’t controlled and has affected the DV, reducing validity.

Question 16

What are situational variables?

Answer 16

Aspects of the environment that may affect participants’ behaviour (e.g., lighting, noise).

Question 17

How can situational variables be controlled?

Answer 17

By standardising procedures and keeping test conditions the same.

Question 18

What are participant variables?

Answer 18

Characteristics of participants (e.g., age, intelligence) that might affect the outcome.

Question 19

How can participant variables be controlled?

Answer 19

Through matched pairs, repeated measures, or random allocation

Question 20

What is operationalisation?

Answer 20

Clearly defining variables so they can be measured and tested