Assessing validity

Assessing Validity

Definition of Validity

• Validity refers to how well a research study measures what it was intended to measure. It signifies if the research is sound and its results are credible.
• There are several types of validity: construct validity, face validity, criterion validity (predictive and concurrent), internal validity, and external validity. Each type assesses different aspects of the research.

Build-up to Validity

• A valid research study is not decided in isolation. It is the final outcome of meticulously ensuring validity in each step of the research process, from design to data collection and analysis.

Construct Validity

• Construct validity assesses whether the tools, methods, and techniques used in the study accurately measure the variables they are intended to.
• It helps to ensure that the constructs are measured as accurately as possible, reducing the possibility of measurement errors.

Face Validity

• Face validity measures whether the test or research appears (on the face) to measure the intended construct.
• Though this is more of an informal check, it is essential to ensure the research is on track.

Criterion Validity

• Criterion validity is the concept of gauging the performance of operational definitions or testing by comparing them with other benchmarks or ‘criteria’.
• It can be further classified into predictive validity (how well the operational definitions can predict future outcomes) and concurrent validity (how well the operational definitions agree with simultaneously collected measures of the ‘criterion’).

Internal Validity

• Internal validity measures how well an experiment is performed, especially whether it avoids confounding variables.
• It is critical for determining cause-and-effect relationships. A study with high internal validity can confidently say that the cause-effect conclusions made in the study are true.

External Validity

• External validity measures the degree to which the study’s results can be generalised to other settings, situations, and individuals.
• It is vital for applying the results of the research in the real world, leading to broad, impactful conclusions. However, achieving high external validity is often challenging due to variables uncontrollable by the researcher.

Checking and Enhancing Validity

• For effective research, researchers should work to constantly verify and increase the validity of their studies.
• Techniques such as piloting, peer review, and replication studies can give important feedback on the design and execution of research, helping to reduce potential biases and errors.