Variables, Validity, and Control

  • Reliability

    The headless professor discusses the concept of reliability and some of the more common types of reliability measures. He presents a 2 x 2 contingency table to demonstrate reliability as having more agreements than disagreements. What do measures of reliability determine? Why did the headless professor present the 2 x 2 table to explain reliability? How is reliability defined in…

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  • Validity

    The headless professor defines validity and how it is established by way of a 2 x 2 contingency table. He also discusses different types of validity such that in clinical psychology (diagnosis and prognosis) and industrial/organizational psychology (performance). Define validity in your own words. Why is it important to establish validity in clinical psychology and industrial/organizational psychology? Why did the…

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  • Samples

    The headless professor explains the difference between subjects (participants), groups, samples, and populations. He offers a clinical example and a marketing one, and provides a diagram showing the relationship between a population, group, sample, and participants. What is the difference between subjects/participants, groups, samples, and populations? Develop a research question. Are you able to identify your participants, relevant groups, secure…

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  • Placebo Effect Video from Emma Bryce

    Comedians Penn and Teller expose medical scam artists by using outrageous fake medical equipment and a fictitious doctor in a shopping mall. People tried magnet therapy, chiropractic weighted coats, and a snail mucus mask and were asked whether they experienced any health benefits. Unfortunately, this video was removed by the corporate owner (CBS). We found another great video for your…

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