I would pick answer c. That was the one that jumped out at me. Why?
I'll start by explaining why I didn't pick the others. I didn't pick
"A" because yes, a theory is strengthened when you get similar results
based on different methodologies but it by no means a guarantee, and by
finding different outcomes it can indicate the boundary conditions of
the theory.
I didn't pick "B" because of of the fact that an operational definition
specifies how a variable will be measured or manipulated and a 10 point
scale is a way of operationally defining stress. So that one was out.
C explains why you should not expect A. One researcher might find a
particular outcome, such as stress and grades to be correlated but it
may not be replicable beyond his/her very specific experimental paradigm
(IV manipulation used, measures used, etc). It's an issue of construct
validity. Is the operational definition of 'stress' a valid one? Is
number of minutes spent arguing a valid measure of stress or might it be
measuring something else, such as anger/hostility?
Those are my 2 cents.
Julie Osland
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Either I am losing my mind or something is wrong. I used the following item on an exam.
Not one student picked the answer I thought was "correct". I believe originally
the item came from a test bank (which I no longer have) that accompanies the Cozby
research methods text. Every single one of my students picked the same answer and it's
not the answer I thought was best.
Can I call on tipsters to tell me which answer they think is correct and why? I
will later tell you which answer I thoughtw as correct and why.
1. Two researchers tested the hypothesis that college students��� grades and
stress are related. One researcher operationally defined stress as the number
of minutes spent arguing with others. The other researcher defined stress as
the amount of tension at any point in time measured on a 10-point scale. Which
of the following statements is accurate?
a. Because their hypotheses are identical, the two
researchers should have similar results.
b. The only valid definition is the number of minutes
spent arguing with others because it is the only
objective measure.
c. The difference in operational definitions of stress
could lead to quite different results.
Thanks
Annette
Annette Kujawski Taylor, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
University of San Diego
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110
619-260-4006
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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--
Dr. Julie A. Osland, M.A., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Wheeling Jesuit University
316 Washington Avenue
Wheeling, WV 26003
Office: (304) 243-2329
e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
