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Construct Validity in Experiments
In order to show an example of construct validity, it would be best to do so with a landmark experiment. One of which is the Milgram’s study of obedience. The purpose of this study was to look at whether or not a person would continue to do something they were uncomfortable with just because someone of authority was telling them to do so. Essentially it was intended to test whether people are obedient or not.

This was done by getting participants through voluntary participation in the form of a newspaper advertisement. They were all men of various ages, level of education, and occupation. There was also and “experimenter” running the experiment and “learner” that acted in the study. The participants were essentially to listen to the “experimenter” and shock the “learner” every time they responded incorrectly to studied information. There were 30 different levels of shock to be administered. The participants were allowed to hear the “learner’s” reaction to the shock. If the participant did not want to continue with the shocks they were heavily encouraged to continue. If they refused they were considered defiant before the 13th step and if they continued passed the 13th step they were considered obedient.

Now look at this in regards to construct validity. Does the level at which the person decides not to continue with the shock really accurately measure a person’s level of obedience? There are two ways looking at this idea. There is the definitionalist’s view of construct validity. This view states it is essential to define exactly what we want to be looking for when we are testing something  So in this case, is the level of shock testing for level of obedience and level of obedience only? The other view is called the relationist’s view. This view states that, in this case, it would be important to make sure to test for obedience since that is the intention of the study, but if other factors come into play as long as it can relate to obedience it is fine that it may be included in the testing.

It would be said that the Milgram’s study does measure obedience very effectively, but it can be seen where other factors may come into play. So this study does seem to have construct validity. However it is important to note that this most likely aligns the relationist’s view. This is because this experiment can also just be showing that some people are just oblivious to things going on around them. They could also feel a sense of responsibility to finish as they were monetarily compensated for their time. They were guaranteed the money no matter what but some people may have really taken that to heart.

The level does measure level of obedience within the relationist’s view. Construct validity is present in the Milgram’s study making it a good valid study for its testing purposes at the time it was administered. In this day and age though, it would not be approved by an internal review board due to the possible psychological harm done to the participant. Even still, this is a landmark study and one that contains a good example to proper construct validity.