When a change in the dependent variable could be due to participants in one group talking to participants in another group, __________ is a threat to internal validity.
A)attrition
B)testing
C)diffusion of treatment
D)instrumentation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diffusion of treatment occurs when participants in one group talk to participants in another group and inadvertently share information or treatments. This can affect the dependent variable and is a threat to internal validity. Attrition is the loss of participants over time and can also be a threat to internal validity. Testing refers to the effect of taking a test multiple times, and instrumentation refers to the potential for changes in the measurement instruments to impact the dependent variable. While both attrition and instrumentation can be threats to internal validity, they are not directly related to participants in different groups interacting with each other.

When a Change in the Dependent Variable Could Be Due