Chapter 7 Instrumentation

Empirical Data We need DATA We can’t rely solely upon our senses We develop INSTRUMENTS to compensate for the limitations of our senses.

Good Instrumentation Validity and Reliability Validity is the confidence we have that we are measuring what we think we are measuring Validity is the degree to which you can defend the conclusions you draw from using the instrument

Reliability Consistency –If the instrument is used twice in the same situation with the same person, will it produce the same results? –Can we rely upon it to be consistent time after time? (think of a watch as instrument to measure time)

Reference point of data collection Who provides the data? –Researcher – checklists, observations –Participant – self report –Third party – checklists, observations

Researcher completed Checklists Interview schedules Notes of observations

Participant Completed Questionnaires Performance tests Personality tests Projective tests Achievement tests Aptitude tests

Aptitude Tests –Predict future performance Achievement tests –Measure current knowledge Performance tests –Measure current ability to complete tasks

Norm-referenced tests –Comparison of individual score to others –Intelligence test –ISAT, Iowa Basic Skills Test –SAT aptitude test –Personality test –Percentile’s - derived scores –Grading on a curve

Criterion referenced test –Individual score is compare to a benchmark (a criterion) –If Raw Score used (no conversion): C-R test –Mastery of material –Earning a grade in my class –Disadvantage is potential lack of variability

End chapter 7