VALIDITY
Aims:
To ensure that the concept of validity
is understood
To consider different types of validity
To apply examples of studies which
relate to validity
Is IQ a valid measurement of intelligence?
Is a smile a valid measure of happiness?
Is a diary a valid source of information
about somebody’s thoughts and feelings?
Do opinion scales such as Likert give us
valid results?
Yes/no/both? Why?

We will go into more detail for reliability
next lesson but first let’s check you know
the difference.

Measure your forehead with the ‘ruler’
I’ve given you
Is this a reliable measure of intelligence?
 Is it a valid measure of intelligence?

Quick check:
High Internal
Validity
High Reliability
Low Reliability
Low Internal
Validity
High Internal
Validity
Low Internal
Validity
High Reliability
yes
yes
Low Reliability
no
yes
Validity
What is it? What different types are there?
Validity
Does a study measure or
examine what it claims to
measure or examine?
Are techniques used to
collect data in tests,
questionnaires,
interviews and
observations measuring
what is claimed?
Can we trust any effect
that has been found to be
the result of manipulating
our independent variable
and not from another
unwanted variable?
If a measurement is
not reliable, then our
research cannot be
valid or ‘true’
I want to measure intelligence. If the
same person sits the test on several
occasions and the results change
each time, then that test lacks ……..
The test also lacks validity because
the scores are meaningless
If I test my participants again several
months later and their scores remains
consistent, I can say the test is reliable, but
it might still lack validity. The second score
might just be measuring what a person has
learned since taking the first test.
Does a driving test measure your competence to drive
on the road or is it a measure of your ability to pass the
driving test? Would you be able to pass it again in six
months time? Would you do better? Is it a reliable and
valid test?
=
The tool is measuring
what it is intending to
measure
=
The findings can be generalized
beyond the context of the research
situation
External
External
Internal
Putting your knowledge into practice and applying it
to the exam.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
PAST QUESTIONS
Using your knowledge of psychology, briefly outline
what is meant by ecological validity. (4)
Describe examples of high ecological validity from
any two pieces of psychological research. (8)
Discuss the strengths and limitations of conducting
psychological research where validity is low. (12)
Compare the EV of laboratory experiments with the
EV of field experiments. (8)
Discuss the usefulness of field experiments in
psychology. (8)
Timed practice:
Using your knowledge of psychology, briefly outline
what is meant by ecological validity. (4)
5 mins (6 w/AT)
Self assessment:
Be fussy! It is really important that you get as many
marks as possible out of the ‘easier’ questions.
Timed practice:
Pair work:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Meghan and Isi
Ella and Emily (+Amelia if
back)
Chloe and Rachel
Ella N and Caitlin
PAST QUESTION:
Describe examples of high ecological validity from any two pieces of psychological research. (8)
Let’s think of two high and also two low (so we have a well rounded picture).
High ecological
validity AS
High ecological
validity A2
Low ecological
validity AS
Low ecological
validity A2
Exam/Essay practice
Together, using the format, write an
answer to the following question:
Utilise:
 Each other
 Your information booklet
 Notes from previous lessons
 Me!
Discuss the strengths and limitations of conducting psychological research where ecological validity
is low. (12)
Strengths
P
E
C
P
E
C
Discuss the strengths and limitations of conducting psychological research where ecological validity
is low. (12)
Weaknesses
P
E
C
P
E
C
Conclusion:
Peer assessment
Swap essay plans and, in your pairs,
using the mark scheme do the
following
-WWW and EBI for the essay you’re
marking
- Give an approximate mark
- Reflect upon your own essay, having
looked at a different point of view
Homework
You’ve done the first 3 questions in this set.
Please complete questions
1.
2.
3.
4 and 5.
Using your knowledge of psychology, briefly outline what is meant by ecological
validity. (4)
Describe examples of high ecological validity from any two pieces of psychological
research. (8)
Discuss the strengths and limitations of conducting psychological research where
validity is low. (12)
4. Compare the EV of laboratory
experiments with the EV of field
experiments. (8)
5. Discuss the usefulness of field
experiments in psychology. (8)