Psychologists often use psychological tests and other measures when conducting research. These measures come in a variety of forms, such as self-report questionnaires, interviews, and observational checklists. When carefully selected, measures enable researchers to make valid, reliable observations about behaviors and other variables of interest. However, when researchers use inappropriate measures, this can lead to inaccurate assessments of behavior and inappropriate decision-making. This puts the validity of the research study at risk. The problem is that there are so many options available when it comes to psychological measures. Researchers must carefully evaluate the qualitative and quantitative evidence available about the measure to ensure it is the best fit for the research context.
For this Assignment, you will write a 4-6 page paper about choosing measures for psychological research. You will also identify and summarize a psychological measure that researchers in your specialization use when conducting research.
Part 1. Discuss the validity and reliability factors researchers should consider when choosing a measure.
Differentiate between psychological measures with evidence of high validity and reliability versus low validity and reliability.
Examine test-retest reliability, parallel-forms reliability, and split-half reliability.
Analyze what it means for scores on a psychological measure to be accurate.
Examine each of the following forms of validity: face, content, criterion-related, and construct validity.
Discuss three or more ethical considerations that relate to choosing a psychological measure.