The main internal validity problem of the static-group comparison design is
A) observed posttest differences may be due to preexperimental differences between the groups rather than to the experimental treatment.
B) the interaction between the experimental and control treatments.
C) the pretest may sensitize subjects to the experimental treatment.
D) the matching procedure may result in the loss of too many subjects and thus introduce bias.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The main internal validity problem of the static-group comparison design is that observed posttest differences may be due to preexperimental differences between the groups rather than to the experimental treatment. The static-group comparison design is a non-randomized experimental design where subjects are assigned to either an experimental or control group without random assignment. Thus, preexisting differences between the groups may confound the results and compromise internal validity.

The Main Internal Validity Problem of the Static-Group Comparison Design