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Define what an 'internal process' is in the context of psychological measurement. In your response, recall the three types of activities it can encompass and explain why these processes make psychological constructs unobservable to an outside observer.
Question: Define what an 'internal process' is in the context of psychological measurement. In your response, recall the three types of activities it can encompass and explain why these processes make psychological constructs unobservable to an outside observer.
Sample answer: An internal process is an unobservable physiological, cognitive, or emotional activity occurring within an individual, such as nervous system activation or specific thoughts and feelings. Many psychological constructs are defined as complex summaries that include these hidden internal processes along with behaviors. Because these crucial components are hidden, the constructs themselves cannot be directly seen by an outside observer.
Key points:
- An internal process is an unobservable activity occurring within an individual.
- Internal processes encompass physiological, cognitive, or emotional activities.
- Psychological constructs cannot be directly observed because they are complex summaries that integrate these hidden internal processes along with behaviors.
Rubric: The response must define an internal process as an unobservable activity within an individual. It must list the three types of internal activities (physiological, cognitive, and emotional). Finally, it must recall that psychological constructs are defined as complex summaries that include these hidden internal processes alongside behaviors, making the constructs themselves unobservable to an outside observer.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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