In an experiment subjects are given a pre-test in an effort to assess their attitudes about a new federal sentencing law that Congress is debating.Subjects assigned to the experimental group are given a series of lectures by experts on the impact the new law will have on prison populations.Immediately after the last lecture,a post-test is given to measure any attitude changes.Anticipating what the test is designed to measure (because of the lectures)those in the experimental group are subject to the threat of:
A) diffusion
B) statistical regression
C) instrumentation
D) testing

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The threat in this scenario is testing because the subjects are given a pre-test and post-test to measure attitude changes. The lectures they receive in between the two tests may influence their responses on the post-test, which is why this is considered a threat to the validity of the experiment.

In an Experiment Subjects Are Given a Pre-Test in an Effort