A researcher has developed a series of in-service training programs for teachers that he believes will improve their effectiveness in the classroom.The researcher observes and compares teacher classroom behavior before and after the teachers attend the in-service training.If this design has a flaw, suggest a way(s) that you would improve it.
A) Use trained observers other than the researcher to make the before and after classroom observations.
B) Use videotapes of before and after teacher behavior and have trained observers in a blind technique evaluate the pre- and post-training tapes.
C) a or b
D) There is no serious flaw in the study.The researcher who developed the program and has an interest in its effectiveness should be the one making the observations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both options (a and b) are improvements to the design of the study. By using trained observers other than the researcher or videotapes with blind observers, the potential for bias is reduced. If the researcher is personally invested in the success of the program, their observations may be influenced by their desire for positive results. Using independent observers or blind evaluation helps to eliminate this potential bias.

A Researcher Has Developed a Series of In-Service Training Programs