Chapter 6.4 Threats to Internal Validity

Question 1

Extraneous Variables

Answer 1

It is any variable in a research study other than the specific variables being studied. Different conditions may affect the what are we looking for.

Question 2

Confounding Variables

Answer 2

any factor allowing an alternative explanation for the results is a threat to internal validity. so that confounding variable is an extraneous variable that changes systematically along with the two variables being studied. A confounding variable provides and alternative explanation for the observed relationship between the two variables.

Question 3

Environmental variables: general threats to internal validity for all studies

Answer 3

general environment has to be same, size of the room, color of the room etc.

Question 4

Participant variables: threats to internal validity for studies comparing different groups

Answer 4

Participant variables are differing from one individual to another. height weight gender age etc.. individual differences.

Question 5

Time related variables: therats to internal validity for studies comparing one group over time

Answer 5

Time related variables can be a confounding variable. during the time between the first treatment condition and the final treatment condition