Question 1: Define the term 'reliability' in the context of psychological research.

Answer: Reliability refers to the consistency of a research method or measurement, meaning that it produces the same results when repeated under similar conditions.

Question 2: Explain why having high reliability is important in psychological experiments.

Answer: High reliability ensures that the results are consistent and dependable, which increases confidence that the findings are not due to random error or chance.

Question 3: Describe one method a researcher might use to test the reliability of a questionnaire.

Answer: A researcher could use test-retest reliability by administering the questionnaire to the same participants at two different times and comparing the results for consistency.

Question 4: Define 'validity' in psychological research.

Answer: Validity refers to whether a test or experiment measures what it claims to measure and accurately reflects the concept being studied.

Question 5: Identify and explain one type of validity relevant to psychological testing.

Answer: Construct validity assesses whether a test truly measures the theoretical construct it aims to measure, for example, whether a depression scale accurately measures depression.

Question 6: Give an example of a factor that could threaten the validity of an experiment.

Answer: Participant bias, such as participants trying to guess the purpose of the study and altering their behavior, can threaten validity.

Question 7: Describe a way to improve the validity of a psychological study.

Answer: Using standardized procedures and ensuring the experiment is ecologically valid (i.e., reflects real-life conditions) can improve validity.

Question 8: Sketch a simple experimental setup to test the reliability of a memory test. Use the space below.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a group of participants taking the same memory test twice with a time gap, with arrows indicating the two testing points. It should include labels for the test, participants, and the time intervals.

Question 9: Explain the difference between reliability and validity using a brief example for each.

Answer: Reliability is about consistency, such as a stopwatch that always shows the same time for the same event. Validity is about accuracy, such as a scale that correctly measures weight. A test can be reliable but not valid if it consistently gives wrong results.

Question 10: Discuss why both reliability and validity are important in psychological research.

Answer: Both are important because reliable results ensure consistency, while valid results ensure the research measures what it intends to. Without both, findings may be trustworthy but not meaningful or accurate.