Lecture 8 - Reliability and Validity.pptVIP

ConceptualizationOperationalizationReliability and Validity Research Timeline Find a topic of interest Do library research on the topic Find studies relevant to the topic Find out what’s missing in the line of research Determine the variables to be included in our study Build argument how variables may be related Think of possible statistical analysis Create RQ and/or Hypotheses Conceptualization Operationalization of each variable Preparation for data collection (survey, etc.) Data Collection Results and Interpretation!! Data Analysis Define Variables A characteristic of an entity to which numbers may be assigned. (Variable ?? Constant) E.g., height ? 5 feet, 5.5 feet, etc. E.g., eye color ? 1 for blue, 2 for hazel, 3 for brown, etc. Variables have more than one value or level E.g., weight, hair color, level of extrovert or introvert, satisfaction, etc. How do we investigate variables that are fluid and dynamic? ? Through CONCEPTUALIZATION OPERATIONALIZATION Measuring Variables: Conceptualization What is the construct? What does the variable mean in a study? Use of highly specific statements that have technical meanings for a group of scholars. Attachment Interpersonal Communication Closeness Liking etc. Organizational Communication Cooperation Identification etc. Measuring Variables: Operationalization How is it measured? Do we manipulate it? Do we focus on what’s out there in the society and human behaviors? Forms of operational definitions Manipulated independent variables (Stimulus variables) Introduced and controlled by researches (in experiments) E.g., Source credibility ? CNN vs. Campus news Measured/Assigned variables NOT introduced or controlled by researchers, but carefully observed and/or measured E.g., perceptions of filial piety, relational satisfaction, frequencies of showing contempt, etc. Direct classification variables Rely simply on identification or classification of observable characteristics of information E.g., Culture (American,