Research methods key terms

• What does validity assess in research?


  Validity assesses whether the test measures what it intended to measure
• How can validity be improved in research?

  By refining the measurement methods and ensuring accurate implementation
• What is reliability in the context of research methods?

  Reliability is the consistency and standardization of a measure
• How can reliability be improved in research?


  By standardizing your measure
• What are demand characteristics in research?


  Demand characteristics are when participants change their behavior to fit the perceived aims of a study
• How do social desirability effects influence participant behavior?

  Participants may change their behavior to align with socially accepted behaviour
• What is researcher bias?

  Researcher bias occurs when the researcher's knowledge of the study's aims influences the results
• How can investigator effects impact research outcomes?


  Investigator effects can lead to conscious or unconscious influences that support the researcher's predictions
• What is validity?


  The way that you carry out your measure allow you to achieve accurate results. Does the test measure what you intend it to measure?