Measurement: Constructs, Reliability, and Validity

Measurement, Reliability, and Validity Notes

Key Terms
Four
1. Broad
(Psychological)
Steps
in theConstruct:
Conceptual vs.
Measurement
Operational
Applicationo Abstract,
of
Process
Constructs
Operationalisation
Reliability vs.
hypotheti
Validity
Examples
1. Example:
Conceptual
of
cal
Reliability
Key  Takeaways
Definition:
Construct:
Happiness
Reliability:
and
concepts
Validity
 Reliability
Consistency
o Physiolog
Define
Theoretic
that is areof
1. necessary
the ical:
Reliability:
not but
the
al,
measurement.
not osufficient
A survey
directly
abstract
Hormona
for ovalidity.
Types:
observab
construct
ldefinition
measurin
analysis
 A reliablele(e.g.,
(e.g.,
s
of
g but
1. Tes
measure exist cant-
"happine
"aggressi
dopamin
happines
consistently
theoretic
ss"
on"
e/seroton
s is
asaRet
produce ally
in the
positive
intent
consisten
levels.
(e.g.,
est
to
sameo tly results,
motivatio
emotiona
harm).
Behavior
givesRel
 but it must
Operational
ln,state).
similar
al: iabi
2. also be validlity:
Operationalisat
Construct:happines
scores
Tracking to
ensure
ion:o for s).those
Tangible
smilestheSa or
2. results
Operationalisat
o sameDevelop
variables
laughter me
accurately
ion: individua
a method
derived
frequenc par
reflect
o ls tothe
Process
from
y. over tici
the
construct.
o timeof
measure
conceptu
Other- pa
 Assessing (test-
turning
the
al
Report: ntsa
reliability
retest and
construct
Surveys tes
validity reliability
into anted
(e.g.,
for
from
requires ).
operation
self-
measure
friends twi
or
multiple
o Two al
report
ment
family ce;
studies and me
variable
happines
(e.g.,
observer
about is
a
an ongoingfor
frequenc
s scales,
person's asu
process. of res
measure
neurotra
y
independ
mood.
o ently
ment or
nsmitter
aggressiv
Self- cor
e actsrel
manipula
analysis).
agree
Report: on
tion. ati
3. Measurement:
observed
the
Question
o number
Example
Collect
during
naire ona
session).
of
data
with smiles
s include ov
a person
physiolog
using
items er
the
ical "I tim
exhibits
operation
like
during
measure
alised
feel e.a
s 2. Int
study
methods.
satisfied
(interrate
4. Evaluation:
(hormon
with myerr
o rlife."
e levels),
Assess ate
reliability
behavior
the r
).
al
reliabilityRel
2. Validity: observati
and iabi
o A ons lity:
validity
the Agr
(frequen
happines
of
s of ee
cysurvey
measure
to me
laughing)
accuratel
s
, or self-
y
ensure nt
reportam
predicts
consisten
andon
methods
individua
cy