1. Lesson 4
Cognitive Psychology

2. Internal validity
How well the procedure has established a cause and effect relationship between IV and DV
Have the results been confounded by uncontrolled extraneous variables?

3. Reasons for low internal validity
How to avoid low internal validity

4. How to assess internal validity
Construct validity
How well the measure of a behaviour being used is a useful indicator of what is being studied
E.g. obedience – did your questionnaires from your practical measure obedience? Or perceived obedience? Or helping behaviour?
Predictive Validity
The extent to which the performance o the measure can predict future performance using a similar measure
(e.g. if an IQ test ca accurately predict future success)

5. External Validity
How well can the findings be generalised or applied beyond the study
To other situations
To other populations
Ecological validity
Population Validity

6. Reasons for low external validity
How to avoid low external validity

7. Reliability Refers to consistency of findings from research
Test-retest reliability:
If consistent then we can trust the same or similar findings will happen again and again (consistency over time)
Research must be replicable
Procedure must be consistent for all participants to ensure similar findings when it is replicated.
If procedure is not consistent (lack of control) then different findings may be found when it is replicated

8. Objectivity What is this?
Are studies in cognitive psychology objective?
Can you objectively measure cognitive processes e.g. schema or memory?
No:
Yes:

9. Practice question
The experimental method is used as a research method in cognitive psychology and social psychology.
Evaluate the use of the experiments in terms of its validity by referring to Sherif and Baddeley. (12)

10. Examples of other questions (12 markers)
The experimental method is used as a research method in cognitive psychology and social psychology
Evaluate/Assess the use of the experiments in terms of its reliability by referring to Sherif and Baddeley
To what extent is the use of experiments a valid method?
To what extent is the use of experiments a reliable method?
To what extent is the use of experiments scientifically credible?