Exam 3: Defining and Measuring Variables

Demonstrating that scores from a new measurement procedure are related to scores from an established measure is called convergent validity.

What is demonstrated by showing that the scores measured today for a group of individuals are nearly identical to the scores obtained with the same measurement procedure last week?

Define a construct and explain why psychologists often need to use an operational definition to measure constructs.

A valid measure is one that yields highly similar results across different experimental conditions.

One measurement concern is that

Using the amount of class participation as a definition of self-confidence is an example of an operational definition.

To establish split-half reliability you must administer the same measurement to the same group of people at two different times.

Which modality of measurement is least likely to be distorted by the participant's or the researcher's subjective interpretation?

An EEG,heart rate,and brain activity are all examples of ________ measures.

One researcher is comparing two brands of fertilizer to determine whether one produces larger pumpkins than the other.A second researcher is comparing two different elementary school physical education programs to determine whether one program produces higher self-esteem than the other.Explain why the first researcher is probably not concerned about reliability and validity of measurement,whereas the second researcher probably is.

Counting the number of people who smile at a baby in a stroller as they pass by is an example of a ________ measure.

You develop a new measure of honesty and other researchers agree that it looks like an appropriate way to measure honesty.You have demonstrated

Describe what new information is obtained from measurements on an interval scale compared to measurements from an ordinal scale.

A researcher developed a new intelligence test for elementary school children.However,the researcher fears that the scores from the test may actually be measuring the children's reading ability.To show that the test is really measuring intelligence and not reading ability,the researcher must demonstrate ________ validity.

A(n)________ measure produces similar results when the same individuals are measured under identical conditions.

Operational definitions are necessary to convert hypothetical constructs into observable variables.

What additional information is obtained by measuring on an interval scale compared to an ordinal scale?

Using number of facial smiles in a 60-second period as a definition and a measurement of happiness is an example of ________ happiness.

It is possible for psychologists to study variables such as hunger,motivation,and self-esteem because these variables can be measured by

A measurement procedure can be reliable without being valid.