Validity

Definition

In the context of sociological research, validity refers to the extent to which a research instrument measures what it claims to measure. It is crucial for ensuring that the conclusions drawn from research accurately reflect real-world phenomena.

Related terms

Reliability:

The consistency of a research method or measurement tool over time.

Operationalization:

The process of strictly defining variables into measurable factors.

Measurement error: The difference between the actual value and the measured value due to inaccuracies or inconsistencies in data collection