validity and reliability in research methods

For example, consider that attitudes are often characterized as a combination of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors directed toward a certain object. If a researcher conceptually defines test anxiety as both sympathetic activation of the nervous system, which leads to jumpy emotions, and also of negative thoughts, then, his test of anxiety must contain antsy feelings as well as negative ideas.

The amount to which a measure “covers” the concept of interest is referred to as content validity. This kind of validity is referred to as translational validity and it consists of the following two subcategories:Ī panel of expert judges generally assesses translational validity by rating each item (indicator) on how well it fits the conceptualization of that concept. Validity theory focuses on how well to transfer or reflect the notion of a theoretical structure into an effective measure. The fact that the forefinger of one individual is one cm longer than the finger of another does nothing to give you greater appreciation of yourself.

While this measure is exceptionally good in terms of test-retest reliability, it is totally invalid. However, there must be something more since a metric could be highly reliable, but without validity.Ĭonsider someone who believes that the size of people’s forefinger represents their self-worth and hence assesses the said attribute by placing a scale up to their forefinger. Scores are supposed to represent what they are meant to when a measure has excellent test-retest reliability and internal consistency. Is a measure of compassion, for example, truly assessing compassion but not a separate construct like empathy? Validity may be measured using theoretical or experiential methods, and it is best to use both.

To answer the question, what does valid mean? We can simply state that the amount to which a measure accurately characterizes the basic concept that it is meant to be measured is referred to as validity or construct validity. Validity and reliability go together in psychology or another social research.

Making sure your research is valid and reliable.

Difference between validity and reliability.

Convergent validity and Discriminant validity.

Validity and reliability in research methods