A planned quasi-experimental study using a nonequivalent control group design has several extraneous variables that threaten its internal validity. The nurse researcher's actions should be based on which understanding?
a. The results of the study will not be statistically significant.
b. The random assignment of subjects to groups will nullify the intervening variables.
c. The study should be strengthened by controlling intervening variables.
d. Because observation rather than causation is the purpose of the study, no action is necessary.
ANS: C
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A The statistical significance of the study will not necessarily be affected by the extraneous variables.
B By definition, a nonequivalent control group design indicates no random assignment was done. When extraneous variables are identified as threats to the study, they should be controlled using other approaches. For example, if experimental and control groups differ systematically on an important intervening variable (e.g., socioeconomic status), a better match of groups should be attempted.
C Identifying and controlling threats to internal validity will strengthen the study's design.
D Causation is being examined because this is a quasi-experimental study.
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