The Type of Variable That Can Contaminate the Results of an Experiment

question 54

Multiple Choice

The type of variable that can contaminate the results of an experiment and may be an alternative to a causal relationship is known as a(n) :

• A)predictor variable.
• B)criterion variable.
• C)extraneous variable.
• D)antecedent variable.

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Definitions:

Internal Validity

The extent to which a study can demonstrate a causal relationship between variables, free of confounding factors.

Random Assignment

is a process used in experimental designs to allocate participants to different groups in a study by chance, minimizing pre-existing differences among those groups.

Pretest-Posttest Nonequivalent Groups Design

A quasi-experimental design involving two groups that are not randomly assigned, with both groups measured both before (pretest) and after (posttest) a treatment or intervention.

Posttest-Only Nonequivalent Groups Design

An experimental design in which different groups are compared only after the treatment or intervention, without a pretest comparison.