Defining and Measuring Variables — Validity, Reliability, and Measurement Scales Explained | Chapter 3 of Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences
Defining and Measuring Variables — Validity, Reliability, and Measurement Scales Explained | Chapter 3 of Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences Chapter 3 of Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences explains one of the most important aspects of psychological research: how to define and measure variables. Because behavioral scientists often deal with abstract concepts like intelligence, stress, or anxiety, this chapter emphasizes the role of operational definitions in transforming constructs into measurable observations. It also explores how researchers evaluate the quality of measurement through validity and reliability , as well as how measurement scales and methods affect the interpretation of research findings. Watch the full breakdown above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more guided chapter summaries. Constructs and Operational Definitions Many variables in psychology represent abstract ideas, known as constructs . Examples include motivation, mem...