Question 1

It is always a good idea to make more than one measurement of any subtle or complex social concept, which is known as the
A) test-retest method
B) inter-rater reliability
C) split-half method
D) face validity

Accepted Answer

The split-half method involves dividing a test into two parts and ensuring that both halves yield similar results, which helps in assessing the consistency and reliability of measurements for complex concepts.

Question 2

Criterion-related validity refers to
A) a comparison of measures to some external criterion
B) an empirical measure that may or may not agree with our common understanding of a particular concept
C) the degree to which a measure covers the range of meanings included within the concepts
D) the basis of logical relationships among variables

Accepted Answer

Criterion-related validity involves comparing a measure to an external criterion, such as a different measure or a real-world outcome, to determine the degree to which the measure is accurate and valid. Option B refers to construct validity, option C refers to content validity, and option D refers to theoretical validity.

Question 3

A researcher concerned with whether a particular measurement technique will, after repeated measures, yield the same results is concerned with
A) accuracy
B) reliability
C) precise measurement
D) validity

Accepted Answer

Reliability refers to the consistency and stability of a measurement over time, so a researcher concerned with whether a particular measurement technique will yield the same results after repeated measures is concerned with reliability. Accuracy refers to the closeness of a measurement to the true value, precise measurement refers to the degree of exactness in a measurement, and validity refers to whether a measurement actually measures what it's intended to measure. While these are all important concepts in research, they are not directly related to the concern of consistency over time.

Question 4

Age of an offender is an example of which level of measurement?
A) interval
B) nominal
C) ratio
D) ordinal

Accepted Answer

Age is an example of ratio measurement because it has a true zero point and can be measured on a continuous scale.

Question 5

R ecidivism is a term to represent a collection of unrelated phenomena that we have either observed or heard about somewhere.

Accepted Answer

Recidivism refers specifically to the tendency of a person who has been released from prison to reoffend and return to prison. It is a specific and well-defined term.

Question 6

Reliability is measuring what you think you are measuring.

Accepted Answer

Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure, not whether it measures what it is intended to measure, which is validity.

Question 7

Every variable should have two important qualities; their attributes should be exhaustive as well as mutually exclusive.

Accepted Answer

This is because if the attributes of a variable are exhaustive, it means they cover all possible options or outcomes. And if they are mutually exclusive, it means that each option or outcome is unique and does not overlap with any other. Both of these qualities are important for ensuring that data is accurately and comprehensively represented.

Question 8

Mental images of serious crime may vary among individuals depending on their backgrounds and experiences.

Accepted Answer

Mental images of serious crime can be influenced by one's culture, upbringing, and personal experiences. What one person may consider a serious crime may not be the same for someone else based on their unique perspective.

Question 9

Ratio measures are the highest level, followed by
A) interval, nominal and ordinal
B) nominal, interval, ordinal
C) interval, ordinal, and nominal
D) ordinal, nominal, interval

Accepted Answer

Ratio measures are the highest level of measurement, followed by interval, ordinal, and then nominal. Ratio scales have a true zero point, interval scales have order and equal intervals between values but no true zero, ordinal scales have a ranked order, and nominal scales categorize data without any order.

Question 10

Conceptualization is the process by which we specify precisely what we mean when we use particular terms.

Accepted Answer

Conceptualization involves defining or clarifying the meaning of a term or concept.

Question 11

An empirical measure that adequately reflects the meaning of the concept under consideration is known as
A) reliability
B) validity
C) accuracy
D) face validity

Accepted Answer

Validity refers to the extent to which a measure accurately captures the meaning of the concept being studied. Reliability refers to the consistency or stability of the measure over time or across raters. Accuracy is a broader concept that refers to the degree to which a measure matches the true value of what it intends to measure. Face validity refers to whether a measure appears to measure what it is supposed to measure at first glance, but it does not necessarily ensure that it actually does so. Therefore, the best choice to reflect whether a measure adequately reflects the meaning of the concept is validity.

Question 12

Sometimes it is necessary to make the same measurement more than once, which is known as the
A) test-retest method
B) inter-rater reliability
C) split-half method
D) face validity

Accepted Answer

The test-retest method involves making the same measurement more than once to assess the consistency of the results over time, which is essential for ensuring the reliability of the measurement.

Question 13

Content validity refers to
A) a comparison of measures to some external criterion
B) an empirical measure that may or may not agree with our common understanding of a particular concept
C) the degree to which a measure covers the range of meanings included within the concepts
D) the basis of logical relationships among variables

Accepted Answer

Content validity refers to the extent to which a measure is representative of all aspects of a particular concept. It assesses whether the measure covers the range of meanings included within the concept being measured. Therefore, choice C is the best option. Choice A refers to criterion validity, choice B refers to construct validity, and choice D refers to the basis of theoretical validity.

Question 14

Recidivism represents a collection of related phenomena either observed or heard about.

Accepted Answer

Recidivism is a well-known concept within the criminal justice system and pertains to an individual's tendency or likelihood to reoffend following release from prison or consequences incurred for previous criminal behavior.

Question 15

Ordinal measures are variables whose attributes may be logically rank-ordered.

Accepted Answer

Ordinal measures have categories that can be ranked in a logical order, such as low, medium, and high or 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Question 16

A lower-level measure cannot be converted to a higher-level one.

Accepted Answer

This is true according to the levels of measurement hierarchy. A higher-level measure, such as a ratio scale, has more features and characteristics than a lower-level measure, such as a nominal or ordinal scale. Therefore, it is not possible to convert a lower-level measure to a higher-level one without losing information or introducing bias.

Question 17

According to Abraham Kaplan's (1964) discussion, which of the following are not included in the three classes of things that a researcher measures?
A) direct observables
B) indirect observables
C) constructs
D) discrete observables

Accepted Answer

Abraham Kaplan's framework includes three classes of things that researchers measure: direct observables, indirect observables, and constructs. "Discrete observables" is not a category mentioned by Kaplan in this context.

Question 18

Reliability is threatened every time there is a single observer as the source of data.

Accepted Answer

Reliability is the consistency and reproducibility of data. When there is only one observer, there is a risk of bias and subjectivity in the data, which can affect reliability. It is important to have multiple observers or measures to increase reliability.

Question 19

Particular empirical measures that may or may not agree with common understandings of our individual mental images about a specific concept are known as
A) reliability
B) validity
C) accuracy
D) face validity

Accepted Answer

Face validity refers to the extent to which a test appears to measure what it is supposed to measure, which can involve subjective judgments and may or may not align with the actual conceptual understanding of the construct it aims to assess.

Question 20

One good indicator of crime seriousness is harm to the crime victim.

Accepted Answer

The harm caused to the victim is an important factor in determining the seriousness of a crime. It takes into account the physical, emotional, and financial harm suffered by the victim. For example, a murder is considered a more serious crime than a theft because it causes irreparable harm to the victim and their family.

Quiz 5: Concepts Operationalization and Measurement

It is always a good idea to make more than one measurement of any subtle or complex social concept, which is known as the

Criterion-related validity refers to

A researcher concerned with whether a particular measurement technique will, after repeated measures, yield the same results is concerned with

Age of an offender is an example of which level of measurement?

R ecidivism is a term to represent a collection of unrelated phenomena that we have either observed or heard about somewhere.

Reliability is measuring what you think you are measuring.

Every variable should have two important qualities; their attributes should be exhaustive as well as mutually exclusive.

Mental images of serious crime may vary among individuals depending on their backgrounds and experiences.

Ratio measures are the highest level, followed by

Conceptualization is the process by which we specify precisely what we mean when we use particular terms.

An empirical measure that adequately reflects the meaning of the concept under consideration is known as

Sometimes it is necessary to make the same measurement more than once, which is known as the

Content validity refers to

Recidivism represents a collection of related phenomena either observed or heard about.

Ordinal measures are variables whose attributes may be logically rank-ordered.

A lower-level measure cannot be converted to a higher-level one.

According to Abraham Kaplan's (1964) discussion, which of the following are not included in the three classes of things that a researcher measures?

Reliability is threatened every time there is a single observer as the source of data.

Particular empirical measures that may or may not agree with common understandings of our individual mental images about a specific concept are known as

One good indicator of crime seriousness is harm to the crime victim.