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Applied Social Research
Exam 2
33
Social Work
Undergraduate 3
04/05/2012

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Term
Measurement
Definition
The process of describing abstract concepts in terms of specific indicators by assigning numbers or other symbols to them
Term
Indicator
Definition
An observation that we assume is evidence of the attributes or properties of some phenomenon
Term
Four Levels of Measurement
Definition
1. Nominal
2. Ordinal
3. Interval
4. Ratio
Term
Techniques of Measurement
Definition
1. Verbal Report (Most Common)
2. Observation
3. Archival Records
Term
Nominal Measures
Definition
Classify observations into mutually exclusive and exhaustive categories
Term
Ordinal Measures
Definition
In addition to having mutually exclusive and exhaustive categories, they have a fixed order (e.g. socioeconomic status)
Term
Interval Measure
Definition
Mutually exclusive and exhaustive categories, fixed order, and equal spacing between ranks (e.g. scales)
Term
Ratio Measure
Definition
Mutually exclusive and exhaustive categories, fixed order, equal spacing, and true zero point
Term
Discrete Variable
Definition
A variable having a finite number of distinct and separate values
Term
Continuous Variable
Definition
A variable which can take on an infinite number of values; no theoretical limit to how precise the measurement might be
Term
Validity
Definition
The accuracy of a measure
Term
Face Validity
Definition
A measure of validity based upon logic and common sense
Term
Content Validity / Sampling Validity
Definition
An extension of face validity, involving a detailed analysis of the breadth of the measured concept and its relationship to the measuring device

1. Determines full range or domain of the content of a variable
2. Determines whether all the domains are represented among the items that constitute the measuring device
(JURY OPINION-outside analysis by multiple practitioners)
Term
Criterion Validity
Definition
Establishes validity by showing a correlation between a measurement device and another known accurate measure (More objective)
TWO TYPES
1. Concurrent Validity
2. Predictive Validity (p.116-117)
Term
Construct Validity
Definition
Measure of validity which instruments are assessed in terms of how they relate to numerous criteria derived from the same theory
Multitrait-Multimethod Approach:
1. Two measures of same concept should correlate highly
2. Two measures, even if similar, should not correlate highly if they measure different concepts
Term
Reliability
Definition
A measure's ability to yield consistent results each time it is applied

r=.80 or better
Term
Types of Validity
Definition
1. Face Validity
2. Content-Validity / Sampling Validity
3. Criterion Validity (2 types)
4. Construct Validity (Multitrait-Multimethod)
Term
Types of Reliability Assessment
Definition
1. Test-Retest
2. Multiple Forms
3. Internal Consistency Approach
Term
Test-Retest
Definition
Most generally applicable assessment of reliability; comparing scores of test and retest
Term
Multiple Forms
Definition
Two separate but equivalent versions of a measuring device are administered and compared
Term
Internal Consistency
Definition
Split-Half Approach - test group responds to complete measuring instrument; results split and compared
Term
Errors in Measurement
Definition
1. Random Errors - neither consistent or patterned, cancel each other out, weakens precision of correlations
2. Systematic Errors- consistent and patterned, may not cancel themselves out, more troublesome-lead to false conclusions
Term
Survey
Definition
Most widely used in social science research; Gathering information from a broad sample of individuals (respondents) by having them responf to questions

TWO TYPES

1. Interviews
2. Questionnaires
Term
Questionnaire Advantages (4)
Definition
1. Inexpensive and quick
2. Geographically dispersed sample
3. More accurate answers when dealing with personal/sensitive questions
4. No interviewer bias
Term
Questionnaire Disadvantages (6)
Definition
1. Require minimal degree of literacy and facility in English
2. Questions must be easy to comprehend based upon printed instructions
3. No opportunity to probe for additional information
4. No assurance if person filling out questionnaire is intended person
5. Cannot assume independent responses/ respondent may read whole questionnaire first
6. Nonresponse bias
Term
Interview Advantages (5)
Definition
1. Motivate respondents to give more accurate and complete info
2. Opportunity to explain questions to respondents
3. Control over factors which are uncontrollable with mailed questionnaires
4. More flexible, opportunity for probing
5. Observational information (e.g. attitude, body language)
Term
Interview Disadvantages (4)
Definition
1. Cost
2. Time
3. Interviewer Bias
4. Variations in wording
Term
Closed-ended question
Definition
Fixed set of response alternatives from which respondents choose
Term
Open-ended Question
Definition
No response alternatives, leaving respondents open to freedom of expression
Term
Observer Reliability
Definition
Agreement between observers on the results of measurement
Term
Sampling
Definition
How we go about getting the participants for our study
Term
Population
Definition
Consists of all possible cases of whatever a researcher is interested in studying
Term
Sampling Frame
Definition
A list of the population elements that are used to draw some types of probability samples
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