Which of these criteria is most important when evaluating the results of an experimental research study?
A) The size of the experimental group compared with the size of the control group.
B) The validity that the experimental treatment caused the desired effect on the outcome.
C) The congruence of research questions to the purpose and hypotheses.
D) The ability of the researcher to apply the findings to clinical or practice settings.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

While all of the criteria listed are important when evaluating the results of an experimental research study, the most important is the validity of the experimental treatment. This means that the treatment must have been the cause of the observed outcome, and not some other factor. Without a valid experimental design, the results of the study may be unreliable or even meaningless. The other criteria listed, such as the size of the groups and the congruence of research questions to the purpose and hypotheses, are also important, but they are secondary to the validity of the experimental treatment. Additionally, the ability to apply the findings to clinical or practice settings is important, but this criterion is not as crucial as ensuring that the results are valid in the first place.

Which of These Criteria Is Most Important When Evaluating the Results