Evaluation key Terms Glossary
Term Definition/ Buzzwords
Generalisability The extent to which the results of a study represent the
whole target population, not just the sample used.
● Results
● Represent
● Target population
Example P:This study is generalisable to the target population to
an extent.
E: For example it uses 100 males and 100 female
students.
T: This is a strength because the results about sleep
and concentration can be said to represent the
whole of the college.
Term Definition/ Buzzwords
Reliability The extent to which the procedure can be replicated to
produce consistent results
This can be achieved through control of extraneous
variables and a standardised procedure.
● Replicate procedure
● Consistent results
● Control of extraneous variables and standardised
procedure
Example P:This study is very reliable due to controls and
standardised procedure.
E: For example the researchers ensured that everyone
taking part had the same amount of sleep (either 8
or 4 hours) and had the same amount of time to
complete the puzzle (20mins).
T: This is a strength because the procedure can be
replicated to test for consistent results about sleep
and concentration.
1
, Term Definition/ Buzzwords
Inter-rater Level of agreement and consistency between multiple
reliability researchers on how they record and interpret data on
behaviour.
High inter-rater reliability shows data has been collected
and interpreted objectively (low bias).
● Agreement and consistency
● Multiple researchers
● Record and interpret data on behaviour
● Objective
Example P:This study has high inter-rater reliability.
E: For example 3 researchers observed and recorded
the pps’ concentration behaviour whilst completing
the puzzles.
T: This is a strength because high levels of agreement
between the researchers suggests the data was
interpreted objectively.
Term Definition/ Buzzwords
Application The results of a study have application if they help society
understand behaviour so it can be changed or treated to
benefit individuals and leads to future research
● Help society
● Understand and change behaviour
● Benefit to individuals
● Future research
Example P:The results of this study have application.
E: For example society can improve people's
concentration in the workplace and in education by
encouraging people to have at least 8 hours sleep
per night as they completed the puzzle quicker than
pps with only 4 hours.
T: This is a strength because the results are useful to
society and can improve people’s lives.
2
Term Definition/ Buzzwords
Generalisability The extent to which the results of a study represent the
whole target population, not just the sample used.
● Results
● Represent
● Target population
Example P:This study is generalisable to the target population to
an extent.
E: For example it uses 100 males and 100 female
students.
T: This is a strength because the results about sleep
and concentration can be said to represent the
whole of the college.
Term Definition/ Buzzwords
Reliability The extent to which the procedure can be replicated to
produce consistent results
This can be achieved through control of extraneous
variables and a standardised procedure.
● Replicate procedure
● Consistent results
● Control of extraneous variables and standardised
procedure
Example P:This study is very reliable due to controls and
standardised procedure.
E: For example the researchers ensured that everyone
taking part had the same amount of sleep (either 8
or 4 hours) and had the same amount of time to
complete the puzzle (20mins).
T: This is a strength because the procedure can be
replicated to test for consistent results about sleep
and concentration.
1
, Term Definition/ Buzzwords
Inter-rater Level of agreement and consistency between multiple
reliability researchers on how they record and interpret data on
behaviour.
High inter-rater reliability shows data has been collected
and interpreted objectively (low bias).
● Agreement and consistency
● Multiple researchers
● Record and interpret data on behaviour
● Objective
Example P:This study has high inter-rater reliability.
E: For example 3 researchers observed and recorded
the pps’ concentration behaviour whilst completing
the puzzles.
T: This is a strength because high levels of agreement
between the researchers suggests the data was
interpreted objectively.
Term Definition/ Buzzwords
Application The results of a study have application if they help society
understand behaviour so it can be changed or treated to
benefit individuals and leads to future research
● Help society
● Understand and change behaviour
● Benefit to individuals
● Future research
Example P:The results of this study have application.
E: For example society can improve people's
concentration in the workplace and in education by
encouraging people to have at least 8 hours sleep
per night as they completed the puzzle quicker than
pps with only 4 hours.
T: This is a strength because the results are useful to
society and can improve people’s lives.
2
