Assignment
Focus: Approaches to Validity
Researchers, in their quest for validity, ask questions like: "Am I measuring what I intend to measure? Are the changes I observe among the variables in my study the result of the behavior of one variable or are there other causes?" Researchers need to be certain that they are measuring the variable for which they designed their measurement procedure. They have to show supporting evidence that their instrument is measuring what it is intended to measure and that other variables are being taken into account. Validity also concerns the extent to which the results of a study can be generalized from a sample to a larger population or context. The validity displayed through each stage of the research process can influence the overall validity of the conclusions derived.
In this Discussion, you will see how other researchers have approached the validity question. You will analyze various quantitative studies to examine the choice of research design and the validity of the study.
To prepare for this Discussion:
• Consider the various aspects of validity you have explored. How might you prioritize their importance?
• :Chung-Hung, T., Dauw-Song, Z., Yu-Li, L., & Ding-Long, L. (2013). A study on the using behavior of depot-logistic information system in Taiwan: An integration of satisfaction theory and technology acceptance theory. Journal of Multimedia, 8(2), 106-112.
• Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Junglas, I., Goel, L., Abraham, C., & Ives, B. (2013). The social component of information systems-How sociability contributes to technology acceptance. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 14(10), 585-616.
• Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Subriadi, A., Hadiwidjojo, D., Djumahir, Rahayu, M., & Sarno, R. (2013). Firm age, firm size and information technology intencity industry factors in influencing information technology contribution to improve performance. Journal of Theoretical & Applied Information Technology, 54(1), 126-136.
• Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Post a 350- to 500-word comparison of the strength of validity in two of the articles. Address the following:
• How would you analyze each study's validity? What information would you need in order to be able to do so, and is that information present in each article? What are the critical similarities and differences among them regarding validity? Assess the authors' effectiveness in establishing and communicating validity.
• Your response should also include an evaluation of the choice of design, the author's rationale for the design choice, the types of validity presented, and the critical differences among them.
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the reading(s) and/or media segment(s) and use APA format.