Validity

Validity refers to the degree to which a study accurately reflects or assesses the specific concept that the researcher is attempting to measure. There are different types of validity.

1. Construct-constructs accurately represent reality.

                 * Convergent- Simultaneous measures of same construct correlate.
                 * Discriminant- What's expected not to relate doesn't relate.

1. Internal-causal relationships can be determined.
2. Content-provides adequate coverage of the subject being studied.
3. Conclusion-occurs when you can conclude that there is a relationship of some kind between the two variables being examined. Positive or negative.
4. External-the causal relationship discovered can be generalized to other people,times, and contexts.
5. Criterion-related-the ability of the measure to predict a variable that is designated as a criterion. Predictive & concurrent.