achieve vs obtain

English translation: It depends, see explanation

06:06 May 17, 2013
English language (monolingual) [PRO]
Science - Mathematics & Statistics
English term or phrase: achieve vs obtain
Hi, I want to say a sentence like: how to "achieve" content validity in a test, but I am not sure which word I should use? maybe calculate or obtain.
Thank you
Rahim Amiri
Local time: 12:58
Selected answer:It depends, see explanation
Explanation:
If you mean that you are trying to find out if the content is valid. I.e. after the test and not changing the content, then use something like "determine".

If, on the other hand, you are trying to make the content valid before the test and can change the content, you should use something like "ensure".
Selected response from:

Terry Richards
France
Local time: 11:28
Grading comment
thank you for your help.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



SUMMARY OF ALL EXPLANATIONS PROVIDED
4 +6It depends, see explanation
Terry Richards
4 +1determine
Andrew Darling


Discussion entries: 1





  

Answers


43 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +1
determine


Explanation:
This could be an option.

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Note added at 51 mins (2013-05-17 06:57:13 GMT)
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Content Validity.

Content validity is concerned with a test’s ability to include or represent all of the content of a particular construct. The question “1 + 1 = ___” may be a valid basic addition question. Would it represent all of the content that makes up the study of mathematics? It may be included on a scale of intelligence, but does it represent all of intelligence? The answer to these questions is obviously no. To develop a valid test of intelligence, not only must there be questions on math, but also questions on verbal reasoning, analytical ability, and every other aspect of the construct we call intelligence. There is no easy way to determine content validity aside from expert opinion.

Reference:

http://allpsych.com/researchmethods/validityreliability.html

Example sentence(s):
  • how to determine content validity in a test
Andrew Darling
Spain
Local time: 11:28
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Tina Vonhof (X)
8 hrs
  -> Thank you
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1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +6
It depends, see explanation


Explanation:
If you mean that you are trying to find out if the content is valid. I.e. after the test and not changing the content, then use something like "determine".

If, on the other hand, you are trying to make the content valid before the test and can change the content, you should use something like "ensure".

Terry Richards
France
Local time: 11:28
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 8
Grading comment
thank you for your help.

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Jack Doughty
6 mins

agree  DLyons: It depends!
3 hrs

agree  Tina Vonhof (X)
7 hrs

agree  B D Finch
9 hrs

agree  amarpaul: Good explanation
21 hrs

agree  Phong Le
4 days
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



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