Research Methods 5

Research Methods 5

1. Reliability

   • if exp repeated = results should be similar
   • internal reliability - the extent to which something is consistent within itself
     • eg: a set of scales should have the exact weight between 10g & 20g
   • External reliability - the extent to which a test measures consistently over time
   • Assessing reliability
     • Split Half method - internal
       • split test into two & have participants do both halves
     • if both have similar results = reliable
     • Test re-test method - external
       • giving the same test to participants on two occasions
     • Inter-observer reliability
       • to see if different observers rate and observe behaviour the same way

2. Validity

   • the degree of accuracy to which something measures to what it claims to
   • internal validity - if results are due to manipulation of IV or of confounding variables
     • reduce demand characteristics, investigator effects n do random sampling
   • external validity - if can be generalised to other settings
     • do exp in natural settings
   • Assessing validity
     • Face validity - if it looks like what it claims
     • concurrent validity - correlating scores on another test known to be valid
     • predictive validity - predicting how well the test predicts future behaviour
     • temporal validity - see if results remain true over time

3. Features of Science - the scientific process

   • 1) observation and description of phenomena
   • 2) formulation of a hypothesis
   • 3) performance of exp tests
   • empirical evidence = found through research, study, observation
     • must be an explanation of results
     • most empirically based research is lab based = allows causality
   • the belief to predict and control behaviour under experimental conditions
   • theory construction, hypothesis testing - to refute or falsify
     • 1) inductive phase - observations create info to make a theory
     • 2) Deductive phase - predictions made from theories - tested and theory is adjusted
     • if one evidence doesn't support theory = falsified
   • paradigm shifts - where scientist try and find research to fit their theory rather than refuting it
     • science advancements made by revolutionary paradigm shifts

4. replicability - repeating research to check validity

   • has to be written up clearly

5. Objectivity - observations made through sensory experience not biased viewpoint

6. Falsification - to empirically test a hypothesis and see if its false

   • Freud's psychodynamic approach - couldn't be empirically tested