Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes internal validity in research?
Which of the following best describes internal validity in research?
- The subjective assessment of the participants' experiences in a study.
- The consistency and stability of the measurement instrument used in a study.
- The extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other populations and settings.
- The degree to which a study accurately demonstrates a cause-and-effect relationship between variables. (correct)
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates ambiguous temporal precedence?
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates ambiguous temporal precedence?
- A study finds that increased exercise is correlated with improved mood, but it is unclear if exercise causes better mood or if people with better moods are more likely to exercise. (correct)
- A researcher modifies a survey questionnaire midway through a study, leading to inconsistent data.
- Participants in a weight loss program lose weight, but it is unclear if the weight loss is due to the program or changes in their diet.
- A study observes a decrease in crime rates after a new community policing initiative is implemented.
How does the threat of 'history' affect the internal validity of a study?
How does the threat of 'history' affect the internal validity of a study?
- It involves changes in the measurement instrument used over time.
- It changes the way participants respond due to repeated testing.
- It introduces systematic differences between groups being compared.
- It refers to external events occurring during the study that could influence the outcome. (correct)
In a study evaluating a weight loss program, participants naturally lose some weight over time simply due to the body's own processes. Which threat to internal validity does this best exemplify?
In a study evaluating a weight loss program, participants naturally lose some weight over time simply due to the body's own processes. Which threat to internal validity does this best exemplify?
A clinic recruits patients with extremely high blood pressure to test a new medication. After several weeks, their blood pressure readings decrease, but some of this decrease may be due to ____.
A clinic recruits patients with extremely high blood pressure to test a new medication. After several weeks, their blood pressure readings decrease, but some of this decrease may be due to ____.
How can taking a pre-test influence participants' responses on a post-test?
How can taking a pre-test influence participants' responses on a post-test?
Which of the following scenarios illustrates the threat of 'instrumentation'?
Which of the following scenarios illustrates the threat of 'instrumentation'?
Why is selection bias a threat to internal validity?
Why is selection bias a threat to internal validity?
Randomization is a method used to minimize which threat to internal validity?
Randomization is a method used to minimize which threat to internal validity?
What is the primary difference between internal and external validity?
What is the primary difference between internal and external validity?
If researchers find that the order in which variables are presented impacts a study's outcome, which threat to internal validity would this best exemplify?
If researchers find that the order in which variables are presented impacts a study's outcome, which threat to internal validity would this best exemplify?
Which of the following is NOT a strategy to mitigate the threat of testing in a study?
Which of the following is NOT a strategy to mitigate the threat of testing in a study?
In a long-term study, what is the primary concern regarding the measuring instrument to ensure internal validity?
In a long-term study, what is the primary concern regarding the measuring instrument to ensure internal validity?
Why are Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) considered higher in the hierarchy of evidence?
Why are Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) considered higher in the hierarchy of evidence?
Which of the following study designs is most susceptible to selection bias?
Which of the following study designs is most susceptible to selection bias?
What is the role of a concurrent control group in mitigating threats to internal validity?
What is the role of a concurrent control group in mitigating threats to internal validity?
If a study finds that participants in an intervention group improved primarily because they were more enthusiastic about the study than the control group, this could be an example of:
If a study finds that participants in an intervention group improved primarily because they were more enthusiastic about the study than the control group, this could be an example of:
Why is it essential to consider threats to internal validity, even in RCTs?
Why is it essential to consider threats to internal validity, even in RCTs?
A researcher modifies a study to ensure that any external events affect both the intervention and control groups equally. Which threat to internal validity is he primarily trying to control?
A researcher modifies a study to ensure that any external events affect both the intervention and control groups equally. Which threat to internal validity is he primarily trying to control?
Which of the following is the MOST effective way to address selection bias in a study?
Which of the following is the MOST effective way to address selection bias in a study?
A town implements a new traffic light program to reduce accidents. After 6 months, accident rates decrease. However, during the same period, several public service announcements about safe driving were released. Which threat to internal validity is MOST likely affecting this evaluation?
A town implements a new traffic light program to reduce accidents. After 6 months, accident rates decrease. However, during the same period, several public service announcements about safe driving were released. Which threat to internal validity is MOST likely affecting this evaluation?
A therapist assesses patients with social anxiety, and selects those with the highest anxiety scores to participate in a new therapy program. What validity threat is MOST likely influencing the results?
A therapist assesses patients with social anxiety, and selects those with the highest anxiety scores to participate in a new therapy program. What validity threat is MOST likely influencing the results?
A researcher uses the same cognitive test before and after an intervention to assess the impact of a new memory-enhancing drug. Participants performed better on the second test simply due to practice. Which threat to internal validity is this an example of?
A researcher uses the same cognitive test before and after an intervention to assess the impact of a new memory-enhancing drug. Participants performed better on the second test simply due to practice. Which threat to internal validity is this an example of?
A researcher evaluates the effectiveness of a new survey designed to measure job satisfaction over a 5-year period. Early in the study, the survey was administered on paper, but later it was switched to an online format. Which potential threat to internal validity does this change MOST directly introduce?
A researcher evaluates the effectiveness of a new survey designed to measure job satisfaction over a 5-year period. Early in the study, the survey was administered on paper, but later it was switched to an online format. Which potential threat to internal validity does this change MOST directly introduce?
A study compares the effectiveness of a new drug to standard therapy, one group consists of patients who actively sought out participation, while the other received standard care from their regular doctor, which threat to internal validity is MOST apparent?
A study compares the effectiveness of a new drug to standard therapy, one group consists of patients who actively sought out participation, while the other received standard care from their regular doctor, which threat to internal validity is MOST apparent?
A researcher is studying the impact of a new educational program on student test scores. The study begins in January, but in February the local school district changes its curriculum. This situation poses a threat to internal validity primarily because of which factor?
A researcher is studying the impact of a new educational program on student test scores. The study begins in January, but in February the local school district changes its curriculum. This situation poses a threat to internal validity primarily because of which factor?
In a study assessing the long-term impact of a weight-loss program, some participants start exercising more regularly on their own, independent of the program. This scenario illustrates a potential threat to internal validity due to:
In a study assessing the long-term impact of a weight-loss program, some participants start exercising more regularly on their own, independent of the program. This scenario illustrates a potential threat to internal validity due to:
A group of students who scored very low on a pre-test participate in a tutoring program, the program evaluation shows improved post-test scores. Which threat poses the GREATEST concern for the study’s validity?
A group of students who scored very low on a pre-test participate in a tutoring program, the program evaluation shows improved post-test scores. Which threat poses the GREATEST concern for the study’s validity?
A researcher finds that participants' performance on a post-test improves because they remember the questions from the pre-test. Which of the following strategies would be MOST effective in addressing this threat?
A researcher finds that participants' performance on a post-test improves because they remember the questions from the pre-test. Which of the following strategies would be MOST effective in addressing this threat?
A study's survey questions are altered midway through the data collection process in order to capture more relevant insights. This introduces which threat to internal validity?
A study's survey questions are altered midway through the data collection process in order to capture more relevant insights. This introduces which threat to internal validity?
A researcher compares satisfaction of elderly patients, one group is recruited from an assisted living facility, and another is living independently at home. What threat to internal validity is MOST directly related to the differences between these groups?
A researcher compares satisfaction of elderly patients, one group is recruited from an assisted living facility, and another is living independently at home. What threat to internal validity is MOST directly related to the differences between these groups?
A training initiative takes place at the same time that an organization makes widespread changes to its operational processes. It becomes difficult to say whether improvements are due to the training or to the changes in operational processes, making it a:
A training initiative takes place at the same time that an organization makes widespread changes to its operational processes. It becomes difficult to say whether improvements are due to the training or to the changes in operational processes, making it a:
A researcher examines the impact of a year-long exercise regimen on overall fitness from January to December; what is the MOST relevant threat to validity given the time scale and nature of this intervention?
A researcher examines the impact of a year-long exercise regimen on overall fitness from January to December; what is the MOST relevant threat to validity given the time scale and nature of this intervention?
When might participants be selected or volunteer because they have much higher or lower scores than the true average for the outcome variable?
When might participants be selected or volunteer because they have much higher or lower scores than the true average for the outcome variable?
In a study, subjects are exposed to the same or similar stimuli before the actual experiment which leads to an underestimation of the true effect of the independent variable (cause). What type of effect is happening?
In a study, subjects are exposed to the same or similar stimuli before the actual experiment which leads to an underestimation of the true effect of the independent variable (cause). What type of effect is happening?
A researcher is evaluating whether smoking causes a higher risk of lung cancer. What term best fits the definition of cause comes before the effect?
A researcher is evaluating whether smoking causes a higher risk of lung cancer. What term best fits the definition of cause comes before the effect?
Why is understanding threats to internal validity crucial when evaluating research?
Why is understanding threats to internal validity crucial when evaluating research?
What is the primary focus of internal validity in research?
What is the primary focus of internal validity in research?
In a study examining the effect of a new exercise program on weight loss, participants are weighed at the beginning and end of the program. What is the MOST relevant threat to internal validity given the time scale and nature of this intervention?
In a study examining the effect of a new exercise program on weight loss, participants are weighed at the beginning and end of the program. What is the MOST relevant threat to internal validity given the time scale and nature of this intervention?
What BEST describes ambiguous temporal precedence?
What BEST describes ambiguous temporal precedence?
A researcher is evaluating a new educational program on mathematics scores. Midway through the study, a well-publicized national news story is released highlighting the importance of mathematics. This situation poses a threat to internal validity primarily because of which factor?
A researcher is evaluating a new educational program on mathematics scores. Midway through the study, a well-publicized national news story is released highlighting the importance of mathematics. This situation poses a threat to internal validity primarily because of which factor?
In the context of internal validity, what BEST describes the threat of 'maturation'?
In the context of internal validity, what BEST describes the threat of 'maturation'?
How does the inclusion of a concurrent control group mitigate the threat of maturation in a study?
How does the inclusion of a concurrent control group mitigate the threat of maturation in a study?
Which of the following is the BEST example of regression to the mean?
Which of the following is the BEST example of regression to the mean?
A school selects students with the lowest scores to participate in a new reading intervention program. Following the program, their scores improve. What threat to internal validity is MOST likely influencing the results?
A school selects students with the lowest scores to participate in a new reading intervention program. Following the program, their scores improve. What threat to internal validity is MOST likely influencing the results?
What is the primary concern regarding 'testing' as a threat to internal validity?
What is the primary concern regarding 'testing' as a threat to internal validity?
In what way can 'habituation' affect the results of a study?
In what way can 'habituation' affect the results of a study?
In a study, subjects are exposed to similar stimuli before the actual experiment. What type of effect is happening?
In a study, subjects are exposed to similar stimuli before the actual experiment. What type of effect is happening?
How does 'instrumentation' pose a threat to internal validity?
How does 'instrumentation' pose a threat to internal validity?
What differentiates instrumentation from testing?
What differentiates instrumentation from testing?
What role does randomization play in minimizing selection bias?
What role does randomization play in minimizing selection bias?
Selection bias is particularly problematic for what type of study designs?
Selection bias is particularly problematic for what type of study designs?
Why are Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) considered higher in the hierarchy of evidence in comparison to observational studies?
Why are Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) considered higher in the hierarchy of evidence in comparison to observational studies?
A concurrent control group is used to control for what threat to internal validity??
A concurrent control group is used to control for what threat to internal validity??
Threats to internal validity are MOST important to consider under what circumstances?
Threats to internal validity are MOST important to consider under what circumstances?
Flashcards
Internal Validity
Internal Validity
The extent to which a study accurately measures the cause-and-effect relationship, ensuring results are not due to chance or other factors.
Ambiguous Temporal Precedence
Ambiguous Temporal Precedence
Uncertainty about which variable came first, making it difficult to establish causality.
History (Threat to Validity)
History (Threat to Validity)
External events occurring during the study that might affect the outcome, providing an alternative explanation to the exposure.
Maturation (Threat to Validity)
Maturation (Threat to Validity)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Regression to the Mean
Regression to the Mean
Signup and view all the flashcards
Testing Effects
Testing Effects
Signup and view all the flashcards
Instrumentation (Threat to Validity)
Instrumentation (Threat to Validity)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Selection Bias
Selection Bias
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sensitization
Sensitization
Signup and view all the flashcards
Habituation
Habituation
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Internal Validity: The Overarching Term
- Internal validity is crucial for determining the impact of a study on clinical practice.
- Threats to internal validity are evident based on study design and can significantly affect what can be learned from a study.
- Understanding these threats helps identify problems in a study's methodology, discard unreliable evidence, and identify quality studies.
- Understanding these threats will lead to greater confidence in the author's conclusions.
Defining Validity and Internal Validity
- Validity, according to "Merriam-Webster", is "The quality of being well grounded sound and correct".
- For this course, the key term in the definition of validity is correctness.
- Validity of experience refers to the genuineness and authenticity of an individual's personal experience.
- Validity of arguments requires logical soundness, evidence, consideration of different perspectives, and avoidance of logical fallacies.
- Validity of assessments accurately measures what it is intended to measure, free from bias.
- Validity of emotions acknowledges that emotions are real and meaningful for the individual.
- Internal validity focuses on evaluating evidence in the literature.
- Internal validity is "The extent to which the methodological research design used by a researcher can provide empirical evidence to test the possible cause and effect relationship".
- Internal validity indicates how confident one can be that the results of a study are not due to chance or other factors besides the one being investigated.
- Researchers must be aware of threats to internal validity, such as selection bias and confounding variables, and take steps to mitigate them.
- A study can have high internal validity even if it is not generalizable to a wider population (external validity).
- Low internal validity makes a study essentially useless.
Threats to Internal Validity
- They help determine if there might be alternative explanations for a cause and effect relationship.
- These threats must be considered within the context of how a researcher designed a specific study.
- It is vital to keep all these terms in mind when reading certain types of research studies.
Ambiguous Temporal Precedence
- Ambiguous Temporal Precedence refers to uncertainty about which variable came first, making it difficult to draw causal conclusions.
- A cause must precede the effect (temporality).
- This ambiguity can weaken the conclusions drawn from a study.
- New Fertilizer and Plant Growth example: It was unclear if the increased growth was due to the fertilizer, the warmer weather, or both independently.
- Pre-testing participants, using randomized controlled trials, and employing statistical techniques can mitigate ambiguous temporal precedence.
- Cross-Sectional Study on Media Use and Wellbeing example: It's impossible to establish whether SBM use leads to less happiness, or whether less happiness leads to more SBM use.
History
- History refers to external events that occur during a study that may affect the outcome rather than the exposure.
- Antibiotic Effect on Bacteria example: A power outage affected the outcome rather than the antibiotic.
- Opioid Prescription Policy Evaluation example: The observed effect might not be due to policy A implemented in 2013 but to other events.
Maturation
- Maturation refers to natural changes that occur over time, where effects may be due to these changes rather than the intervention.
- Maturation includes things like aging and gaining experience.
- Ginger Root Extract for the Common Cold example: Any improvement might be due to the natural progression of the cold (maturation) rather than the supplement.
- Maturation can be addressed by having a control group or comparison group running concurrently with the treated group.
Regression to the Mean
- Regression to the mean: Subjects selected based on extreme scores tend to have subsequent scores move toward the average.
- Psychotherapy Patients example: Improvement could be due to spontaneous remission rather than therapy.
- Business Consultants example: Improvement could be due to a natural cycle rather than the consultant's actions.
Testing
- Testing: The act of taking a pre-test can influence post-test responses.
- Sensitization: Participants become more aware of the issue being measured.
- Habituation: Repeated stimulus becomes less effective.
- Response fatigue: Repeated exposure causes fatigue or boredom.
- New Teaching Method example: Improved post-test performance is due to familiarity rather than the new method.
- Utilize different pre-test and post-test measures or introduce a delay between tests to mitigate testing effects.
Instrumentation
- Instrumentation: Changes to the measuring instrument itself over the study period (instrument changes not participant changes).
- Survey and patient interview examples of instruments.
- Changes in surveys or observer precision can lead to effects that reflect the instrument change, not the exposure.
Selection Bias
- Selection bias: Systematic differences in patient characteristics at baseline between groups.
- Comparing an experimental anti-infective agent to a control group where the control group is older on average than the treatment group is an example of selection bias.
- Randomization can eliminate selection bias.
Conclusion: Applying Knowledge of Internal Validity Threats
- Internal threats become more evident based on study design.
- Consider these potential threats and whether they are real threats given the study's design.
- RCTs have fewer threats to internal validity compared to observational research designs.
- Research design (e.g., control group) and methods (e.g., randomization) help minimize threats to internal validity.
- Internal validity focuses on the cause and effect relationship within the study itself.
- Threats to internal validity are crucial when discussing biases, strengths, and weaknesses of study designs.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
