Introduction to Validity. « PreviousHomeNext » The first thing we have to ask is: "validity of what? " When we think about validity in research, most of us think about research components. We might say that a measure is a valid one, or that a valid sample was drawn, or that the design had strong validity. But all of those statements are technically incorrect. We make lots of different inferences or conclusions while conducting research.
We subdivide validity into four types. The figure shows that there are really two realms that are involved in research. Now, back to explaining the four validity types. Conclusion Validity: In this study, is there a relationship between the two variables? In the context of the example we're considering, the question might be worded: in this study, is there a relationship between the WWW site and knowledge of course material? Internal Validity: Assuming that there is a relationship in this study, is the relationship a causal one? Copyright ©2006, William M.K. Positivism & Post-Positivism. « PreviousHomeNext » Let's start our very brief discussion of philosophy of science with a simple distinction between epistemology and methodology. The term epistemology comes from the Greek word epistêmê, their term for knowledge.
In simple terms, epistemology is the philosophy of knowledge or of how we come to know. Methodology is also concerned with how we come to know, but is much more practical in nature. Methodology is focused on the specific ways -- the methods -- that we can use to try to understand our world better. Epistemology and methodology are intimately related: the former involves the philosophy of how we come to know the world and the latter involves the practice. When most people in our society think about science, they think about some guy in a white lab coat working at a lab bench mixing up chemicals.
Let's begin by considering what positivism is. One of the most common forms of post-positivism is a philosophy called critical realism. Copyright ©2006, William M.K. Quantitative Research. Introduction Surveys are one of the most frequently used modes of research in the social sciences. In a typical survey the researcher selects a sample of respondents and administers a standardised questionnaire to them. In some cases it is appropriate to have the respondents complete the questionnaires themselves and in other times it is more appropriate to have interviewers ask the questions and record the answers given.
This latter technique can be used in face to face interviews or over the telephone. Topics Appropriate to Survey Research Surveys may be used for descriptive, explanatory and exploratory purposes. Surveys are also good for measuring attitudes and orientations in a large population. Types of Surveys Self Administered: respondents are asked to complete the questionnaires themselves. Interview Surveys: Researchers send interviewers to ask questions orally and record respondents answers. Telephone Surveys: Interviews are conducted by phone. Co-ordination and Control. What is Research? Research is an often-misused term, its usage in everyday language very different from the strict scientific meaning. In the field of science, it is important to move away from the looser meaning and use it only in its proper context.
Scientific research adheres to a set of strict protocols and long established structures. Often, we will talk about conducting internet research or say that we are researching in the library. In everyday language, it is perfectly correct grammatically, but in science, it gives a misleading impression. The Guidelines What is research? Science has developed these guidelines over many years as the benchmark for measuring the validity of the results obtained. Failure to follow the guidelines will prevent your findings from being accepted and taken seriously. Aims of Research The general aims of research are: Observe and Describe Predict Determination of the Causes Explain Purpose of Research - Why do we conduct research? Steps of the Scientific Process.