Validity

• What does validity refer to in research studies?

  Validity refers to the extent to which results of a research study are legitimate.
• What are the types of validity in research?

  • Internal validity: Outcomes due to manipulation of the independent variable.
  • External validity: Generalisability to other settings, populations, and eras.
  • Ecological validity: Generalisability to other situations and settings.
  • Temporal validity: Generalisability to different historical times.
  • Population validity: Generalisability to various populations.
• What is face validity?

  Face validity is when a measure appears to measure what it is supposed to.
• What is concurrent validity?

  Concurrent validity refers to how well a psychological measure compares to a similar existing measure.
• What is predictive validity?

  Predictive validity refers to how well a test can predict future events or behaviors.
• What can negatively impact the validity of observational data?

  Broad, overlapping, or ambiguous behavioral categories can negatively impact validity.
• How can validity be improved in experimental research?

  • Use a control group to assess changes in the dependent variable.
  • Standardise procedures to minimise participant reactivity.
  • Implement single-blind and double-blind procedures.