How do sociologists ensure the validity of their research findings? The correct answer is: They use more than one indicator for a particular concept.
Validity refers to the extent to which an indicator (or set of indicators) really measure the concept under investigation.
The reliability and validity of your results depends on creating a strong research design, choosing appropriate methods and samples, and conducting the research carefully and consistently.
This step helps researchers gain a broad understanding of work previously conducted on the topic at hand and enables them to position their own research to build on prior knowledge. It allows them to sharpen the focus of their research question and avoid duplicating previous research.
8 ways to determine the credibility of research reportsWhy was the study undertaken? ... Who conducted the study? ... Who funded the research? ... How was the data collected? ... Is the sample size and response rate sufficient? ... Does the research make use of secondary data? ... Does the research measure what it claims to measure?More items...•
1:285:54What is Reliability and Validity in sociology? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo to summarize reliability is can you repeat the method. And validity does the research paint aMoreSo to summarize reliability is can you repeat the method. And validity does the research paint a true or accurate. Picture. So what methods are reliable. Research that is high reliability uses methods
You can increase the validity of an experiment by controlling more variables, improving measurement technique, increasing randomization to reduce sample bias, blinding the experiment, and adding control or placebo groups.
Further, the validity of qualitative research can also be established using a technique known as respondent validation. This basically involves testing of the initial results with the participants in order to see that if the results still ring true. To overcome personal bias. Analysing the data collected.
Validity is important because it determines what survey questions to use, and helps ensure that researchers are using questions that truly measure the issues of importance. The validity of a survey is considered to be the degree to which it measures what it claims to measure.
1) It allows sociological researchers to evaluate the findings of others and assess their credibility. (WHY): This ensures maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem. 2) It offers a methodology through which researchers can obtain useful data.
The survey, in which people are asked to answer a series of questions, is the most widely used research method among sociolo- gists. It is ideal for studying large numbers of people. The survey is the most widely used research method for collecting data in sociology.
When researchers say that a measure is valid they mean? The measure or scale truly reflects the object under study; it measures what it's supposed to measure.
Define validity. Refers to the degree to which a measure or scale truly reflects the phenomenon under study. Define reliability. The extent to which a measure produces consistent results.
Reliability and validity are both about how well a method measures something: Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure (whether the results can be reproduced under the same conditions). Validity refers to the accuracy of a measure (whether the results really do represent what they are supposed to measure).
The purpose of establishing reliability and validity in research is essentially to ensure that data are sound and replicable, and the results are accurate. The evidence of validity and reliability are prerequisites to assure the integrity and quality of a measurement instrument [Kimberlin & Winterstein, 2008].
Reliability: The extent to which a measure, procedure or instrument yields the same result on repeated trials. Equivalency Reliability: The extent to which two items measure identical concepts at an identical level of difficulty.
When there is either low internal or low external validity, researchers often adjust the parameters of their observations, instruments, and experiments in order to achieve a more reliable analysis of sociological data.
When it comes to providing accurate and useful data analysis, sociologists and scientists of all fields must maintain a level of validity and reliability in their research—all valid data is reliable, but reliability alone does not ensure the validity of an experiment.
In sociology and research terms, internal validity is the degree to which an instrument, such as a survey question, measures what it is intended to measure while external validity refers to the ability of results of an experiment to be generalized beyond the immediate study.
Different methods vary with regard to these two aspects of validity. Experiments, because they tend to be structured and controlled , are often high on internal validity. However, their strength with regard to structure and control, may result in low external validity.
As an example, if a survey posits that a student's aptitude score is a valid predictor of a student's test scores in certain topics, the amount of research conducted into that relationship would determine whether or not the instrument of measurement (here, the aptitude as they relate to the test scores) are considered valid.
Sociological research is necessary for a variety of reasons. Research will confirm or deny the validity and extent of what is considered to be true simply because it “makes sense.” Whereas culture has a significant impact on what one believes to be true, there needs to be a more objective manner in which to discover truth. Research provides the method through which truth can be discovered. To discover this truth, scientific research is used.
Social research can be very controversial be it private, political, etc. Often the findings of social research threaten those who have a stake in the matters being studied. Peter Rossi’s study of the homeless population is an example of such controversy.