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Reliability and Validity - Coggle Diagram
Reliability and Validity
Reliability
Consistency. If you can repeat a measurement and get the same results, then the measurement is reliable.
Quantitative methods
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Observations
An observer should produce the same observations if the same behaviour is watched listened to twice. Interobserver reliability is when two observers produce same data.
Experiments
Experiments can be controlled using standardised procedures, so each participant has exactly the same experience.
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Experimental Design
Repeated measures design is influenced by order effects, and can be overcome by counterbalancing. Independent groups design is affected by participant variables, and can be overcome by random allocation.
Qualitative methods
Qualitative methods (e.g. case studies) have greater validity as they provide unrestricted information. Qualitative data depends on subjective interpretation, reducing the validity of conclusions.
Quantitative methods
Laboratory experiments often involve artificial tasks or settings which are not reflective of real life. Participants are aware of being studied. However, greater control enhances validity. In field experiments extraneous variables are not always controlled, tasks may be artificial and participants may be aware of being studied - all reduce validity. Methods producing numerical data (e.g. questionnaires and experiments) may lack validity as they reduce behaviour to a score.
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Sampling Methods
Sampling methods do not always produce a sample that is reflective of the target population. Opportunity sampling is less likely to produce a representative sample, stratified sampling is more likely to