Question 1

Exhibit 10-5: Choose the internal validity problem that is associated with the situations listed.
-Refer to Exhibit 10-5.Specific events between the measurements
A) history
B) maturation
C) experimenter effect
D) statistical regression
E) diffusion

Accepted Answer

The internal validity problem associated with specific events between the measurements is history. History refers to the occurrence of events other than the treatment that could affect the outcome of the study. It could be related to any external event or experience that participants might have experienced between the two measurements.

Question 2

The most powerful control technique, given the number of influences potentially controlled, is
A) matching.
B) random assignment.
C) counterbalancing.
D) homogeneous selection.

Accepted Answer

Random assignment is the most powerful control technique among the options given because it helps to ensure that any differences between and within the groups are not systematic at the outset of the experiment. This method helps in controlling for both known and unknown factors that could influence the outcomes, making it possible to more confidently attribute differences in outcomes to the experimental manipulation rather than to other variables.

Question 3

The fact that young children's articulation problems often disappear by themselves over time indicates why researchers must use ____in order to have internal validity.
A) control groups
B) informed consent
C) objective measurement
D) pre- and postmeasures
E) statistical analysis

Accepted Answer

Control groups are necessary in order to rule out the possibility that the children's articulation problems disappeared due to some external, uncontrolled factor rather than simply due to time passing. By comparing a group of children with articulation problems to a control group of children without articulation problems, researchers can be more confident that any changes in the articulation group are due to the intervention or natural processes of development, rather than some other confounding variable. Informed consent and objective measurement are important ethical considerations but do not directly address internal validity. Pre- and postmeasures and statistical analysis are important tools for measuring change over time, but they do not address the issue of external validity.

Question 4

Exhibit 10-5: Choose the internal validity problem that is associated with the situations listed.
-Refer to Exhibit 10-5.Entirely a function of the passage of time
A) history
B) maturation
C) experimenter effect
D) statistical regression
E) diffusion

Accepted Answer

Maturation is the internal validity problem associated with situations where any observed changes in participants' behavior are entirely a function of the passage of time. Maturation refers to the natural developmental changes that occur in individuals over time, such as physical growth, cognitive development, and changes in attitudes and beliefs. This internal validity problem can impact the results of longitudinal studies, in which researchers track changes in participants over extended periods of time.

Question 5

Randomization in an experimental design assures
A) external validity of the findings.
B) the relevance of the hypothesis in question.
C) accurate observation of the dependent variable.
D) statistical equivalence of groups.
E) lack of pretest sensitivity.

Accepted Answer

Randomization in experimental design helps to ensure that groups are statistically equivalent at the start of the study. This reduces the potential for confounding variables and increases the internal validity of the findings.

Question 6

A researcher wishes to study the effects of a concentrated remedial reading program on the reading achievement of disadvantaged children.A large number of children are available for assignment to groups.Since intelligence is an important relevant variable in any research on reading, the investigator wants to make sure that it is controlled as well as the reading pretest scores.What would be the most effective way for the researcher to control these variables?
A) Set up groups and then check to make sure that there are no significant differences between the groups on intelligence and reading pretest scores.
B) Randomly assign children to experimental and control groups.
C) Match the children on intelligence test and reading pretest scores and then randomly assign the matched pairs to experimental and control groups.
D) Randomly assign children to experimental and control groups and use intelligence test and reading pretest scores in an analysis of covariance.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A researcher wishes to study the effects...

Question 7

Which of the following is the appropriate description of "statistically significant"?
A) "Important and powerful"
B) "Theoretically important"
C) "Probably not due to chance"
D) "Worthy of recognition"
E) "Momentous and substantial"

Accepted Answer

"Statistically significant" means that a result is probably not due to chance. It does not necessarily mean that the result is "important and powerful," "theoretically important," "worthy of recognition," or "momentous and substantial."

Question 8

To be useful in an analysis of covariance design, a covariate should have
A) high positive correlation with the dependent variable.
B) low positive correlation with the dependent variable.
C) low negative correlation with the dependent variable.
D) zero correlation with the dependent variable.
E) high positive correlation with the main independent variable.

Accepted Answer

A covariate should have a high positive correlation with the dependent variable to effectively reduce error variance and increase the statistical power of the analysis.

Question 9

Exhibit 10-5: Choose the internal validity problem that is associated with the situations listed.
-Refer to Exhibit 10-5.Extreme scores move toward the mean.
A) history
B) maturation
C) experimenter effect
D) statistical regression
E) diffusion

Accepted Answer

Statistical regression is the internal validity problem associated with extreme scores moving toward the mean. This occurs because extreme scores are more likely to be the result of measurement error or chance, while scores closer to the mean are more likely to be representative of the participant's true ability or behavior. Therefore, extreme scores tend to regress toward the mean on subsequent measures.

Question 10

"Statistical regression" refers to the tendency of extreme scores to ____ the common mean on subsequent measurement.
A) move toward
B) move away from
C) stay the same distance from
D) move randomly toward or away from

Accepted Answer

Statistical regression suggests that extreme scores will move towards the common mean on subsequent measurement. This occurs because the extreme score is usually due to some random or temporary factor, whereas the common mean represents typical performance. Therefore, extreme scores will tend to regress towards the mean over time.

Question 11

Exhibit 10-3: Choose the type of experimental validity that is being referred to in the following questions.
-Refer to Exhibit 10-3.Were the tests used for analysis appropriate and sufficiently powerful to correctly estimate the size and significance of the effect?
A) Internal
B) External
C) Construct
D) Statistical Conclusion

Accepted Answer

This question is referring to statistical conclusion validity, which is concerned with the appropriateness and accuracy of the statistical analyses used to test hypotheses and draw conclusions about the relationship between variables.

Question 12

Select the term which least belongs with experimental research.
A) Treatment group
B) Manipulation
C) Randomization
D) Description
E) Control

Accepted Answer

Experimental research is focused on manipulating variables and examining the effect of those manipulations on an outcome of interest. Description, on the other hand, refers to the act of summarizing or documenting observations and experiences; this does not fit with the purpose or process of experimental research.

Question 13

A teacher was surprised to find a negative correlation between pretest scores and the amount of change in a pretest-posttest design.How would you explain the negative correlation to the teacher?
A) The students who did well on the pretest did not learn as much during the instructional period.
B) The method of instruction was not appropriate for those students who had high pretest scores.
C) Students who have high scores on the pretest can be expected to have low change scores because of the ceiling effect on the posttest.
D) The negative correlation is due to the low reliability of the pretest and the posttest.

Accepted Answer

The negative correlation can be explained by the ceiling effect on the posttest. Students who already score high on the pretest are likely to have limited room for improvement, resulting in lower change scores.

Question 14

Which of the following is an internal validity question in experimental research?
A) Does the sample represent the population?
B) Has statistical regression influenced the dependent variable?
C) Does the design provide adequate control of the dependent variable?
D) Can the experiment's results be generalized to other settings?
E) Is the study's cost worth the time and effort?

Accepted Answer

Internal validity refers to the extent to which a study can establish a causal relationship between variables. Statistical regression influencing the dependent variable is a concern related to internal validity, as it can affect the causal inference.

Question 15

The type of control problem that can occur when volunteers are compared with nonvolunteers is
A) history.
B) pretesting.
C) regression.
D) posttesting.
E) selection-maturation interaction.

Accepted Answer

This is known as the selection-maturation interaction problem which can occur when comparing volunteers with nonvolunteers. This may arise because people who choose to volunteer may not be representative of the general population being studied and therefore may differ in important ways. Additionally, the passage of time can result in changes in both groups, which may not be equivalent, leading to a selection-maturation interaction.

Question 16

Exhibit 10-5: Choose the internal validity problem that is associated with the situations listed.
-Refer to Exhibit 10-5.Presence of the observer increases scores.
A) history
B) maturation
C) experimenter effect
D) statistical regression
E) diffusion

Accepted Answer

The increase in scores is likely due to the observer's effect on the subjects' behavior, rather than any actual changes in the subjects themselves. This is known as the experimenter effect, a type of internal validity problem.

Question 17

Exhibit 10-3: Choose the type of experimental validity that is being referred to in the following questions.
-Refer to Exhibit 10-3.Is the causal relationship demonstrated in the study generalizable to other persons and settings?
A) Internal
B) External
C) Construct
D) Statistical Conclusion

Accepted Answer

The question is asking about the external validity of the study, which refers to the extent to which the findings can be generalized to other populations and settings.

Question 18

Exhibit 10-3: Choose the type of experimental validity that is being referred to in the following questions.
-Refer to Exhibit 10-3.Did the experimental treatment cause the observed change in the dependent variable, or was a spurious factor operating to cause the change?
A) Internal
B) External
C) Construct
D) Statistical Conclusion

Accepted Answer

This question is referring to internal validity, which pertains to the extent to which a study's design ensures that the experimental treatment caused changes in the dependent variable rather than any confounding factors.

Question 19

When a researcher is confident that results can be attributed to a treatment's influence and nothing else, it is said that the study is ____ valid.
A) externally
B) empirically
C) intrinsically
D) internally
E) statistically

Accepted Answer

Internal validity refers to the extent to which a study establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between the treatment and the outcome, and eliminates alternative explanations for the results. It pertains to the validity of the study's design and methodology, and whether they adequately control for potential confounding variables or biases. In contrast, external validity refers to the generalizability of the study's findings to other populations, settings, or conditions. Empirical validity is not a commonly used term in research methodology, and intrinsic validity does not have a clear definition in this context. Statistical validity relates to the accuracy and precision of the results, and whether they are statistically significant and reliable.

Question 20

Internal validity is not concerned with
A) maturation
B) generalization.
C) experimental mortality.
D) statistical regression.
E) interaction of pretest and treatment.

Accepted Answer

Internal validity is concerned with the accuracy of the causal relationship between the independent and dependent variables within a study. Generalization, on the other hand, refers to the ability to extend findings from a particular sample or setting to a broader population. Maturation, experimental mortality, statistical regression, and interaction of pretest and treatment are all factors that can potentially threaten the internal validity of a study by introducing alternative explanations for the observed results.

Quiz 10: Experimental Research

Exhibit 10-5: Choose the internal validity problem that is associated with the situations listed. -Refer to Exhibit 10-5.Specific events between the measurements

The most powerful control technique, given the number of influences potentially controlled, is

The fact that young children's articulation problems often disappear by themselves over time indicates why researchers must use ____in order to have internal validity.

Exhibit 10-5: Choose the internal validity problem that is associated with the situations listed. -Refer to Exhibit 10-5.Entirely a function of the passage of time

Randomization in an experimental design assures

Which of the following is the appropriate description of "statistically significant"?

To be useful in an analysis of covariance design, a covariate should have

Exhibit 10-5: Choose the internal validity problem that is associated with the situations listed. -Refer to Exhibit 10-5.Extreme scores move toward the mean.

"Statistical regression" refers to the tendency of extreme scores to ____ the common mean on subsequent measurement.

Exhibit 10-3: Choose the type of experimental validity that is being referred to in the following questions. -Refer to Exhibit 10-3.Were the tests used for analysis appropriate and sufficiently powerful to correctly estimate the size and significance of the effect?

Select the term which least belongs with experimental research.

A teacher was surprised to find a negative correlation between pretest scores and the amount of change in a pretest-posttest design.How would you explain the negative correlation to the teacher?

Which of the following is an internal validity question in experimental research?

The type of control problem that can occur when volunteers are compared with nonvolunteers is

Exhibit 10-5: Choose the internal validity problem that is associated with the situations listed. -Refer to Exhibit 10-5.Presence of the observer increases scores.

Exhibit 10-3: Choose the type of experimental validity that is being referred to in the following questions. -Refer to Exhibit 10-3.Is the causal relationship demonstrated in the study generalizable to other persons and settings?

Exhibit 10-3: Choose the type of experimental validity that is being referred to in the following questions. -Refer to Exhibit 10-3.Did the experimental treatment cause the observed change in the dependent variable, or was a spurious factor operating to cause the change?

When a researcher is confident that results can be attributed to a treatment's influence and nothing else, it is said that the study is ____ valid.

Internal validity is not concerned with