A researcher conducts research and uses a small sample that is not randomly selected. When he replicates the study, twice, he again uses the same site and another small sample that is not randomly selected. This is a threat to which type of validity?
a. Statistical conclusion validity
b. Internal validity
c. Construct validity
d. External validity
ANS: D
Construct validity examines the fit between the conceptual definitions and operational definitions of variables: are the study ideas measured in a way that makes sense? Statistical conclusion validity is concerned with whether the conclusions about relationships or differences drawn from statistical analysis are an accurate reflection of the real world: did the researcher use the right statistical tests in the proper way? Internal validity is the extent to which the effects detected in the study are a true reflection of reality rather than the result of extraneous variables: did the change in one variable really account for the change in the other variable? External validity is concerned with the extent to which study findings can be generalized beyond the sample used in the study.
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