Suppose that I conduct an experiment on the effects of flattery on compliance.I bring women into the laboratory,tell them they are beautiful,and ask them to lend me $10.I bring men into the laboratory,I don't flatter them,and I ask them to lend me $10.Sure enough,more women than men lend me $10.My conclusion that flattery increases compliance is suspect because

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The experiment lacks internal validity because there is a confounding variable (gender) that is affecting the results. If the gender of the participants was randomized between the control and experimental group, then any differences in compliance could be attributed to the manipulation (flattery). However, since gender was not controlled, it is impossible to determine whether the effect is due to the manipulation or simply because women are more likely to comply with requests for money than men.

Suppose That I Conduct an Experiment on the Effects of Flattery