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.