How Might the Selection of Groups in Observational Studies Affect

question 15

Multiple Choice

How might the selection of groups in observational studies affect the construct validity of the study?

• A) Populations sampled from might be too general
• B) Populations sampled from might not be representative
• C) Subjects' status on the characteristic of interest might vary systematically
• D) Subjects might show random variation on other characteristics of interest

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Definitions:

Social Interactions

The process by which individuals act and react in relation to others within society, encompassing both verbal and nonverbal communication.

Disequilibrium

Disequilibrium refers to a situation in which there is an imbalance or mismatch, often used in economics to describe markets where supply does not equal demand, but also applicable in other contexts such as biology and psychology.

Rational Choice Theory

A framework that assumes individuals act based on rational calculations to maximize their benefits and minimize their losses in any given situation.

James Coleman

An influential American sociologist known for his work on educational sociology and social theory.