Dr. Ferguson is conducting a research study on the effects of a vegetarian diet on women exercisers' body image. After completing her study, Dr. Ferguson is concerned that the improvements in women exercisers' body image may actually be due to the social support they received from the other study participants rather than the vegetarian diet. Dr. Ferguson's concern represents a threat to what type of validity?
A) External validity
B) Internal validity
C) Logical validity
D) Construct validity

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dr. Ferguson's concern is related to internal validity, which refers to the degree to which a study can establish a causal relationship between the independent and dependent variables. In this case, the potential influence of social support on body image could confound the results, making it unclear whether the observed effects are due to the vegetarian diet or the social support, thus threatening the study's internal validity.

Dr Ferguson Is Conducting a Research Study on the Effects