The correct answer is “c. valid.” In research and measurement, validity refers to the extent to which a measurement actually measures what it is intended to measure.

This is a crucial concept because it ensures that the results of a study are meaningful and accurate. Validity is essential to draw meaningful conclusions from research. Let’s delve into the explanation of why “valid” is the correct answer and why the other options are not:

c. Valid:

Validity is a cornerstone of research methodology. It addresses the fundamental question of whether a measurement accurately captures the construct or concept it is intended to assess. In other words, a measurement is considered valid if it genuinely reflects the quality or attribute under investigation.

For instance, if a researcher is conducting a study on the effectiveness of a new aptitude test for job applicants, the test is considered valid if it accurately measures the aptitude or skills relevant to the job. In this context, the researcher wants to ensure that the test provides a reliable assessment of the specific trait it’s designed to measure.

There are various types of validity that researchers can assess to ensure their measurements are valid. These include content validity, criterion validity, and construct validity, each of which focuses on different aspects of measurement accuracy.

Researchers employ these methods to establish the validity of their measurements and, in doing so, ensure that the study’s findings are reliable and meaningful.

Now, let’s explore why the other options are not correct:

a. Reliable:

Reliability and validity are related but distinct concepts in research methodology. Reliability pertains to the consistency and stability of a measurement over time. A measurement is considered reliable if it consistently produces similar results when applied to the same subjects under the same conditions.

While reliability is undoubtedly essential in research, it does not directly address the question of whether the measurement accurately assesses what it is supposed to measure.

For example, if a weighing scale consistently provides the same weight measurement for an object each time it is weighed, it is considered reliable.

However, this does not necessarily mean that the scale’s measurements are accurate; it could consistently measure an incorrect weight. Therefore, while reliability is a valuable attribute of a measurement, it does not guarantee validity, making it the incorrect choice for the question.

b. Sociological:

“Sociological” is not the correct choice in the context of this question. Sociological refers to the field of sociology, which is the scientific study of society, human behavior, and the social interactions of individuals and groups. This option is unrelated to the measurement concept of validity. Validity is a universal concept in research that applies across various disciplines, not just sociology.

Validity is a concern in all areas of research, including sociology. Researchers in the field of sociology, like those in any other discipline, must ensure that their measurements accurately reflect the concepts they intend to study.

However, it is important to clarify that validity is not exclusive to sociology, and the term itself does not encapsulate the concept of measurement accuracy as explicitly as the option “valid” does.

d. Quantitative:

“Quantitative” refers to a specific approach to research that involves the collection and analysis of numerical data. While quantitative research often deals with measurements, the term “quantitative” does not directly address the issue of measurement accuracy or validity.

Quantitative research can encompass both valid and invalid measurements, depending on how well the measurements capture the constructs or variables of interest.

In quantitative research, it is crucial to ensure that the measurements used are valid to draw meaningful conclusions. However, “quantitative” does not encompass the full concept of measurement validity.

Validity can be a concern in both quantitative and qualitative research, as researchers in both paradigms need to ensure their measurements accurately represent the concepts they are investigating. Therefore, “quantitative” is not the correct choice in the context of addressing the accuracy of measurements.

In conclusion, the term “valid” is the correct answer in the context of research and measurement. It directly addresses the fundamental question of whether a measurement accurately measures what it is intended to measure.

Reliability, sociological, and quantitative, while important in research, do not encompass the concept of measurement validity and are not appropriate choices for this question. Validity ensures that the results of a study are meaningful and trustworthy, making it a central concern in the field of research methodology.