A Researcher Is Carrying Out a Study of the Effects

question 1

Multiple Choice

A researcher is carrying out a study of the effects of teaching different approaches to argumentation on writing persuasive essays. He pretests the participants by having them write three persuasive essays prior to the study, and three essays after the study. He has two individuals grade all the essays. The two individuals were given no training prior to the study. The essays from the students in the study actually looked worse rather than better after the study. Based on the information presented above, what threat to internal validity could explain the contradictory finding?

• A) Selection
• B) Maturation effect
• C) Instrumentation
• D) History effect

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Definitions:

Internal Working Model

A cognitive framework comprising mental representations for understanding the world, self, and others, which influences individuals' responses to their environment.

Mental Model

A framework or mindset that individuals use to understand and interpret the world around them.

Strange Situation

A laboratory procedure designed to assess children’s attachment on the basis of their use of their mother as a secure base for exploration, their reactions to being left alone with a stranger and then completely alone, and their response when they are reunited with their mother.

Infant-Caregiver Attachment

The emotional bond that forms between an infant and their primary caregiver, impacting the child's development and future relationships.