Exam 5: Measurement

Describe the relationship between reliability and validity. (NOTE: Your description should answer the following two questions: Is it possible to have a reliable but invalid measure? Is it possible to have an unreliable but valid measure?)

Suppose a researcher constructs a six-item index for measuring risk-taking propensity. Evidence that eighth graders who score high on the index are more likely to engage in risky behaviors (e.g., initiate sexual activity, use drugs) supports the index's

A survey question measuring frequency of exercise asks respondents, "On how many of the past 7 days did you exercise or participate in sports activities?" The answer categories are 0, 1 - 3, 3 - 5, 5 or more. This set of categories is

Criterion-related validity generally is reserved for tests and measures that are intended for practical application.

The lowest level of measurement is nominal.

In Tilcsik's experimental study of job discrimination against gay men, what type of operational definition did he use to measure "employment discrimination"?

If all the variation in a measurement is due to true differences in the concept, then the measure is both reliable and valid.

A researcher interested in measuring religiosity decides to ask respondents how often they pray and how often they listen to religious programs on the radio. These questions represent the researcher's attempt to

In social measurement, indicator is to index/scale as __________ is to __________.

Using additional indicators of a concept (e.g., additional questionnaire items) can increase reliability.

In assessing your newly developed scale for measuring anti-Semitism, you get highly similar results when you administer your scale twice to the same group. You also get a high correlation between your new anti-Semitism scale and another scale designed to measure the tendency of people to give socially desirable responses. According to this evidence, your scale is

The cultural bias of IQ tests is an example of systematic measurement error.

Which of the following is an example of nominal-level measurement?

Which of the following is an empirical indicator of social capital?

The social desirability effect lowers measurement validity.

Which of the following statements correctly applies to the reliability of this exam?

Often, many different indicators may be chosen to measure a given concept.

All forms of measurement validation are subjective to a certain extent.

The measurement process moves from the concrete to the abstract.

In selecting or creating an operational definition of a concept, the textbook suggests all of the following guidelines except