Instrument Validity

A valid instrument is one that measures what it says it measures. If a researcher is interested in measuring how much a student knows about the U.S. Civil War, for example, he or she needs an instrument that will measure exactly that -- the student's knowledge -- not his or her feelings, attitudes, beliefs, or skills. For each of the two objectives listed below, write one example of the kind of question or observation you might engage in to measure, at least to some extent, attainment of the objective.

1.Objective: To measure the degree to which a person enjoys modern art

Instrument question or observation strategy:

2.Objective: To measure the level of anxiety that exists among university students during final exam period

Instrument question or observation strategy:

3.Objective: To measure the attitudes of local residents toward the building of a new ballpark in downtown San Francisco

Instrument question or observation strategy: