Assignment
Your task for this week requires you to examine one of the following provided articles, located under your weekly resources, as it relates to your area of specialization in your graduate program:
Forensic Psychology:
García, C. H., Moral, J., Frías, M., Valdivia, J. A., & Díaz, H. L. (2012). Family and socio-demographic risk factors forpsychopathy among prison inmates. European Journal Of Psychology Applied To Legal Context, 4(2), 119-134.
After you have read the article, prepare a chart in which you address the following:
1. Examine the sample and measurement the authors obtained. Then, answer the following questions:
a. Identify each of the variables measured in the article.
b. For each variable, identify if the variable was measured directly (like height or weight), or if the researchers used an operational definition to measure a hypothetical construct (such as motivation or quality of life).
c. Determine if the article used an operational definition for a variable. If so, what was it? Did this seem appropriate?
d. Determine the scale of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio).
e. Identify the modality of the measurement (self-report, behavioral, physiological).
f. Determine the measurement align well with the research question and hypotheses. Why or why not?
For example, your chart may be set up like this:
When you have completed your analysis of the provided article, reflect upon one of the topics you selected in Week 1 that you likely would pursue in your capstone. In an essay, identify the variables in your research question and hypothesis.
• Can each variable be measured directly?
• If not, how might you use an operational definition to measure the variable(s)? Describe the potential measures to test your hypotheses.
Discuss how validity and reliability are important in evaluating the quality of any measurement, and how validity and reliability are important for testing your hypothesis.
Length: 1 page chart; 2-3 pages for essay
Your paper should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University's Academic Integrity Policy.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.