Fundamentals & Core Principles Flashcards

Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'construct validity'?

Answer: The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure

Construct validity is the extent to which a measure accurately captures the theoretical construct it is designed to assess.

In research ethics, the principle of 'justice' primarily refers to:

Answer: Ensuring equitable distribution of research benefits and burdens

The Belmont Report defines justice as the fair distribution of research benefits and burdens across all segments of society.

A researcher tests whether a new teaching method improves student test scores by comparing two groups. What is the dependent variable?

Answer: The student test scores

The dependent variable is the outcome being measured — in this case, the student test scores that may be influenced by the teaching method.

Which sampling method ensures every member of the population has an equal and known chance of being selected?

Answer: Simple random sampling

Simple random sampling gives each population member an equal probability of selection, minimizing selection bias.

What is a 'confounding variable' in research?

Answer: An extraneous variable that correlates with both the independent and dependent variables

A confounding variable is an uncontrolled factor that correlates with both the independent and dependent variables, potentially distorting results.

In qualitative research, 'member checking' is used to enhance which quality criterion?

Answer: Credibility

Member checking involves returning findings to participants for verification, which enhances the credibility (internal validity equivalent) of qualitative research.

The Hawthorne Effect refers to which phenomenon in research?

Answer: Participants performing better simply because they know they are being observed

The Hawthorne Effect describes the tendency for people to modify their behavior when they know they are being studied or observed.