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Define discriminant validity in the context of psychological measurement. What specific statistical evidence must a researcher provide to establish it, and what classic example of differing constructs can be used to illustrate this concept?
Question: Define discriminant validity in the context of psychological measurement. What specific statistical evidence must a researcher provide to establish it, and what classic example of differing constructs can be used to illustrate this concept?
Sample answer: Discriminant validity is the extent to which scores on a measure are not strongly correlated with measures of conceptually distinct variables. To establish it, a researcher must provide evidence of low correlations between different constructs. A classic example is demonstrating a low correlation between self-esteem and daily mood, showing that a self-esteem scale uniquely captures the stable trait rather than inadvertently measuring a temporary psychological state.
Key points:
- Discriminant validity is the extent to which scores are not strongly correlated with distinct variables.
- Establishing it requires providing evidence of low correlations between differing constructs.
- Self-esteem and mood are conceptually distinct constructs used as an example.
- The evidence must show the measure uniquely captures the trait rather than a different psychological state.
Rubric: The response must accurately define discriminant validity as the lack of strong correlation with conceptually distinct variables. It must state that low correlations are required as evidence. Finally, it must mention the self-esteem and mood example to show how distinct constructs should not strongly correlate.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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