The term internal validity refers to the degree to which the: ...

[FButt]

The term internal validity refers to the degree to which the:
 
  a. groups in the sample were equivalent before beginning the study.
  b. independent variable can be interpreted as being responsible for the effects on the dependent variable.
  c. researchers followed the design they selected for the study.
  d. results of the study can be generalized to groups other than the one in the study.

Question 2

Which will help avoid the external validity of a study?
 
  a. Hawthorne effect
  b. Laboratory setting
  c. Representativeness of the sample
  d. Tight controls over all groups

[lou]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
In studies of causality, internal validity pertains to whether the effect found in the study may have been caused by a third, often unmeasured, extraneous variable rather than by the treatment.
Internal validity does not mean the groups were equivalent.
Following the design selected for the study represents the integrity of the study.
External validity concerns the ability of the results of the study can be generalized to groups other than the one in the study.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
External validity is concerned with the extent to which study findings can be generalized beyond the sample used in the study. One way to ensure generalizability is to derive a sample that is truly representative of the population being studied.
The Hawthorne effect is a psychological response of subjects who change their behavior simply because they are in a study, which can affect the internal validity. External validity is concerned with the extent to which study findings can be generalized beyond the sample used in the study.
A laboratory setting could help with internal validity. External validity is concerned with the extent to which study findings can be generalized beyond the sample used in the study.
Controls over the groups will help with internal validity. External validity is concerned with the extent to which study findings can be generalized beyond the sample used in the study.