Psych 2.1

Objectivity

certain facts about the world can be observed and tested independently from the individual who describes them.

subjective

knowledge of the event is shaped by prior beliefs, expectations, experiences, and even their mood.

The Five Characteristics of Quality Scientific Research

measurements are objective, valid, and reliable, generalized, uses techniques that reduce bias, made public,can be repeated.

Objective measurements

measures of an entity or behavior that, within an allowed margin of error, is consistent across instruments and observers.

Variable

object, concept, or event being measured

Self-reporting

responses are provided directly by the people who are being studied

Operational definitions

statements that describe the procedures (or operations) and specific measures that are used to record observations.

Reliability

measurements provide consistent and stable answers across multiple observations and points in time

Validity

degree to which an instrument or procedure actually measures what it claims to measure

Generalizability

degree to which one set of results can be applied to other situations, individuals, or events

Population

group that researchers want to generalize about

sample is a select group of population members.

random sample is one where every individual of a population has an equal chance of being included.

convenience sample is a sample of individuals who are most readily available

Ecological validity

degree to which the results of a laboratory study can be applied to or repeated in the natural environment.