|
Type of Validity/Reliability |
Potential Threats |
Strategies to Mitigate |
|
Internal Validity |
- Selection Bias: Participants in the treatment and control groups may differ systematically at the outset. - Maturation: Participants may naturally change or develop over time, affecting the outcome - History: Unforeseen events occurring during the study may influence the results. |
-Randomization: Randomly assign participants to groups to minimize initial differences. - Control Group: Include a control group that does not receive the treatment. - Statistical Controls: Use statistical methods to control for potential confounding variables. |
|
Reliability |
- Measurement Error: Inconsistent or inaccurate measurement of variables. - Observer Bias: Researchers' expectations or biases may influence data collection and interpretation. |
- Standardized Procedures: Use clear and standardized protocols for data collection and measurement. - Multiple Observers: Use multiple observers and compare their observations to ensure consistency. - Blinding: Use blinding procedures (e.g., double-blind studies) to minimize observer bias. |