4. Describe what constitutes valid and reliable observation especially with regards to operationalizing variables, experimenter bias, demand characteristics, and unobtrusive measures.
Operationalizing variable is within an experiment this is a firm description of how variables are defined within a study. One way to assure this yields reliable results is by clearly defining every aspect of the variable. For example, instead of using the broad term of “students”, you would say “9-12 students of North Butler”. Experimenter bias, this assures that in no way the experimenters feelings or opinions influence the result of the study. One way to avoid this is to stay away from topics of experimentation that weigh heavily on opinion verses data or facts. Demand characteristics refers to an experimental artifact where study participants have an interpretation of the experiments purpose. Intern they unconsciously change there behavior to how they feel they are suppose to act or respond. One way of eliminating this is to make it clear that there are no expectations of participants and that they will not be evaluated based on performance. Unobtrusive measures refers to a method of making observations in an experiment or studies. Without the knowledge of those being observed. This is one way of eliminating experimenter bias. For example, one might assess students by only using there transcript verses and transcript and interview.