Statistical Conclusion Validity
Table 1.3 Threats to Construct Validity
Threat Explanation
Attention and
contact with
participants
Similar to special treatment; the level of attention
(differentiated attention) from the experimenter varies
between the groups (e.g., the researcher spends more time
with Group 1 than Group 2, and the differences observed in
the outcome can be explained by the increased amount of
attention and not due to the intervention)
Single
operations
and narrow
stimulus
sampling
The impact the researcher has on the development and
implementation of the treatment (i.e., researchers deliver
treatments differently based on experiences and expertise;
therefore, it is difficult to measure the impact the researcher
has on the treatment itself)
Experimenter
expectancies
The researchers’ expectancies, beliefs, and biases about
the results (e.g., if a researcher strongly believes anxiety
reduces test performance, then the interaction between the
researcher and the participant may influence the outcome
because the delivery of instructions and adherence to
protocols may change)
Cues of the
experimental
situation
Sources of influence conveyed to prospective participants
(e.g., rumors, information passed along from previous
participants)
Novelty effects The novelty of being in a new or innovative context
