Question 1

The more readily a problem can be directly observed, the easier it is to validate.

Accepted Answer

Direct observation of a problem allows for easier validation because it provides clear, tangible evidence that can be analyzed and verified.

Question 2

A SEM of 2 indicates really low reliability.

Accepted Answer

SEM (Standard Error of Measurement) indicates the precision of individual scores on a test, not the reliability of the test itself. A low SEM suggests high precision and potentially high reliability, not low reliability.

Question 3

If a measure is valid, then its reliability can be assumed to be adequate.

Accepted Answer

True

Question 4

Face validity, with everything else being equal, is generally a more rigorous form of assessing validity than predictive validity.

Accepted Answer

Face validity refers to the extent to which a test appears to measure what it's supposed to measure, based on a superficial assessment, while predictive validity involves the extent to which test scores accurately predict future performance on a related task, which is a more empirical and rigorous method of establishing validity.

Question 5

Measurement may be defined as the process of assigning labels (such as numbers) to things (such as characteristics of people) according to rules (meaning the steps in assigning these labels are explicit and consistent).

Accepted Answer

Measurement involves systematically assigning values or labels to characteristics of entities (such as people or objects) based on a set of predefined rules or criteria, ensuring consistency and objectivity in how these characteristics are quantified or categorized.

Question 6

A conceptual definition is the same as an operational definition.

Accepted Answer

A conceptual definition provides the abstract or theoretical meaning of a concept being studied, whereas an operational definition specifies the exact procedures or measures used to represent a concept practically in a research study.

Question 7

Which would be a more sensitive measure:
A) Number of arguments per day
B) Did at least one argument occur each day

Accepted Answer

The number of arguments per day is a more sensitive measure because it can detect variations in the frequency of arguments, whereas simply noting whether at least one argument occurred does not account for days with multiple arguments.

Question 8

Strictly speaking, measurement is not needed in performing a single-system evaluation.

Accepted Answer

Measurement is a fundamental component of single-system evaluation, as it involves the systematic collection of data to assess the effectiveness of an intervention or program on a specific client or system.

Question 9

Test-retest reliability:
A) Is determined by retesting a group with an alternative form
B) Is an attempt to evaluate internal consistency
C) Both a and b
D) Examines the stability of a measure

Accepted Answer

Test-retest reliability examines the stability of a measure over time by administering the same test to the same group on two different occasions and comparing the scores.

Question 10

Criterion validity refers to multiple measurement of the same variable.

Accepted Answer

Criterion validity assesses how well one measure predicts an outcome for another measure.

Question 11

If a measure is reliable, then its validity can be assumed to be adequate.

Accepted Answer

Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure, while validity refers to the accuracy of a measure in capturing what it is supposed to measure. A measure can be reliable without being valid.

Quiz 2: Basic Principles of Conceptualization and Measurement