ATAR Notes: Forum

VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Psychology => Topic started by: mals22 on November 04, 2012, 10:52:46 am

Title: Research Methods :(
Post by: mals22 on November 04, 2012, 10:52:46 am
Can anyone explain all the types of validity, reliability, confounding variables, extraneous etc..

I HATE THEM.
Title: Re: Research Methods :(
Post by: vashappenin on November 04, 2012, 11:13:34 am
Confounding variables <--- it's all explained here :)

Validity is how accurately the study has measured what it claims to have measured
- Construct validity: The extent to which an experiment is accurately measuring what the researcher wishes to measure
- Internal validity: Accuracy of the research design and procedures used to conduct study
- External validity: How well the results from the study (or the findings) can be generalised/applied beyond the population/ situation used in the study

Reliability is how consistent the research and findings are (i.e. it is reliable if similar results are produced when the experiment is repeated)
- Internal consistency refers to now well different items in the same study produce similar findings (i.e. different measuring items should achieve similar results when measuring the same trait)
- Test-retest reliability is how similar the scores are when the same test is given to the same group of people on 2 different occasions

Just make sure you understand these and you'll be fine! :)
Title: Re: Research Methods :(
Post by: RTandon on November 04, 2012, 11:18:38 am
In the simplest of terms

Validity: Does it measure what it's supposed to measure

Reliability: Does it measure what it's supposed to measure every time it's given



edit: vashappenin explained it beautifully. What she said!
Title: Re: Research Methods :(
Post by: hilariouspowerr on November 04, 2012, 06:04:27 pm
Uber hard