Linda is conducting a federally-funded research project that examines literacy skills in middle school learners. Bonnie recently started a new study that specifically focuses on reading strategies. Some of the students are participating in both studies.
A) This is of no concern because there are two different studies.
B) This is a mostly a threat to internal validity.
C) This is mostly a threat to external validity.
D) This is an example of the placebo effect.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that some students are participating in both studies is a threat to internal validity because it may create a bias or influence the results of one study in relation to the other. For example, if some students have already learned certain reading strategies through Linda's study, they may perform better in Bonnie's study, which may lead to a false conclusion about the effectiveness of the strategies. This is why researchers need to ensure that participants do not participate in multiple studies that could affect the outcomes of each other.

Linda Is Conducting a Federally-Funded Research Project That Examines Literacy