Maturation is a threat to ____.
A) external validity
B) internal validity
C) convergent validity
D) interrater reliability

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Maturation refers to natural processes such as aging, learning, or development that may affect the outcome of a study, especially in longitudinal or repeated measures designs. Maturation is a common threat to internal validity because it may be confounded with the effect of an intervention or a manipulation. For example, if we compare the scores of two groups on a test before and after a training program, we cannot be sure whether the improvement is due to the program or to the natural maturation of the participants. To control for maturation, we can use a control group or a pretest/posttest design, or match participants on relevant variables, or use statistical techniques such as regression or ANCOVA.

Maturation Is a Threat to ____