Validity

Abstract

Validity presents two factors of concern for media psychologists. Methodological validity is the likelihood that a particular approach can answer a research question accurately and thoroughly. It is a factor in the design of both qualitative and quantitative research studies, although distinct criteria for its establishment exist within each approach (i.e., credibility and transferability for qualitative researchers; internal and external validity for quantitative researchers). Measurement validity is the degree to which measures accurately capture the concept a researcher proposes to observe. This factor is represented through a variety of dimensions, some primarily established through logic (i.e., face, content, criterion, and nomological validity) and others additionally through statistical analyses (i.e., convergent, discriminant, concurrent, and predictive validity).