MCS 3030 Chapter 10: Chapter 10 Research Methods
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If other factors could be responsible for changes in the outcome measures, you cant be confident that the presumed cause & effect relationship is correct. This term is hard to meet in social research. Could offer program to this comparison group upon completion of the study or by using program and comparison groups that would have little opportunity o chat/contact eachother. Good research designs minimize the plausible alternative explanations for the hypothesized cause-effect relationship. 5 ways to minimize any threats to any type of validity: by argument: simply argue that the threat in question isn"t reasonable. Such an argument may be made before the fact or after the fact though before the fact is usually more convincing. Could study the possibility of attrition or mortality threat by conducting a 2 way factorial experimental design: by preventative action: when you anticipate potential threats, you can try to prevent them.