Psychology 2800E Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: External Validity, Statistical Conclusion Validity, Ecological Validity

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2800E
• Professor: Patrick Brown

Document Summary

Validity- an indication of accuracy in terms of the extent to which a research conclusion corresponds with reality. Confounding- error that occurs when the effects of two variables in an experiment cannot be separated, resulting in a confused interpretation of the results. Subject variables- a difference between subjects that cannot be controlled but can only be selected (example: gender) Construct validity- extend to which the results support the theory behind the research. Ecological validity- extend to which an experimental situation mimics a real world situation. Statistical conclusion validity- extend to which data are shown to be the result of cause-effect relationships rather than accident (involved in evaluating statistical conclusion validity: threats to statistical conclusion validity: Improper use of statistics in analyzing the data. Power: conclusion that the independent variable had no effect but if your study employed too few subjects your conclusion may be erroneous. Inaccurate effect size estimation (outliers can change the shape of a distribution)