When a change in the dependent variable could be due to participants systematically dropping out of an experiment, __________ is a threat to internal validity.
A)attrition
B)testing
C)diffusion of treatment
D)instrumentation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Attrition refers to participants dropping out of an experiment which can create systematic differences between the remaining participants and those who dropped out. This can result in a change in the dependent variable that is not related to the treatment or intervention being tested, therefore, it is a threat to internal validity. Testing, diffusion of treatment, and instrumentation are also threats to internal validity but not in the context of participants dropping out of an experiment.

When a Change in the Dependent Variable Could Be Due