Research paper writing

Module 3: Instrumentation

Checklist

 Read chapters 6 and 7 in the SSR text and chapter 5 (5.1-3) in the RMP text about

instruments along with establishing validity and reliability.

 Read the files in module 3.

 Complete the M3.1 Assignment using both the Georgia Milestones Brief and the EOCT

Brief.

 Complete the M3.2 Discussion Board question about an instrument identified in one of

the introductory documents.

 Complete M3.3 Discussion Board question about APA chapters 4 and 5.

Overview

Module 3 introduces instrumentation, which involves three main aspects: the instrument,

validity, and reliability. In a research paper or journal article, one would find a section labeled

Instrumentation (or perhaps with the three subheadings) under the methods section, generally

after the participants or sample subheading.

Module 3 contains several online documents which will help one to complete the M3.1

Assignment. While the more general information one knows about these instruments the better,

the real focus should be on the validity and reliability of the instruments. There are several types

of validity and reliability which one might choose to use to validate an instrument or to establish

the reliability of an instrument.

The M3.2 Discussion Board question asks you to choose and define an instrument type from the

module, whereas the M3.3 Discussion Board question asks about information one can locate in

chapters 4 and 5 of the APA manual.