Define Internal Validity in Research Design

question 33

Essay

Define internal validity in research design. Describe two threats to the internal validity of a research study. (Note: For each threat, be sure to label it, describe it, and be sure to indicate how it specifically is a threat to the internal validity of the design.)

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Definitions:

Validity

The extent to which a test, measurement, or research accurately represents what it aims to measure.

Reliability

The consistency and dependability of a measurement, test, or instrument over time or across different conditions or observers.

External Validity

The degree to which an experimental design actually reflects the real-world issues it is supposed to address.

Experimental Design

A research method for testing hypotheses by systematically manipulating variables to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process.