Which type of validity focuses on the logic of the relationship betwee...
Internal validity concerns the logical relationship between the independent and dependent variables, estimating the degree to which causal inferences can be drawn based on the research design.
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Which type of validity focuses on the logic of the relationship betwee...
Understanding Internal Validity
Internal validity is a critical concept in research that assesses the extent to which a study accurately establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between variables. Here’s a detailed explanation of why option 'B' is correct:
Logic of Relationships
- Internal validity focuses on whether the changes in the dependent variable are indeed caused by manipulations of the independent variable.
- It examines the logical flow of the relationship, ensuring that confounding variables do not influence the outcome.
Importance of Controlling Variables
- Researchers must control extraneous variables to strengthen internal validity. This ensures that any observed effects can be confidently attributed to the independent variable.
- A well-designed study isolates the variables, reducing the potential for alternative explanations.
Threats to Internal Validity
- Various factors can threaten internal validity, including:
- History: Events that occur during the study that could affect results.
- Maturation: Changes in participants over time that may influence outcomes.
- Selection Bias: Systematic differences between groups that can skew results.
Example of Internal Validity
- Consider a clinical trial testing a new medication. If researchers find that participants taking the medication show improvement, high internal validity means they can confidently state that the medication caused the improvement, rather than other factors.
Conclusion
In summary, internal validity is essential for establishing credible and reliable conclusions in research. By focusing on the logic of relationships between variables and controlling for confounding factors, researchers can ensure their findings are robust and meaningful.