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A clinical researcher wants to test whether a new therapy technique (influence X) reduces clinical depression symptoms (outcome Y). Apply the concept of internal validity to propose one concrete design decision that would ensure that any systematic changes in depression symptoms are wholly due to the therapy (influence X) rather than the natural improvement of participants over time (spontaneous remission).
Question: A clinical researcher wants to test whether a new therapy technique (influence X) reduces clinical depression symptoms (outcome Y). Apply the concept of internal validity to propose one concrete design decision that would ensure that any systematic changes in depression symptoms are wholly due to the therapy (influence X) rather than the natural improvement of participants over time (spontaneous remission).
Sample answer: To protect the study's internal validity from the threat of spontaneous remission, the researcher could use a randomized control design containing a treatment group that receives the therapy and an equivalent control group that receives no treatment or a placebo. Comparing the two groups allows the researcher to isolate whether changes in Y are wholly due to X or occurred naturally over time.
Key points:
- Propose a concrete design decision (e.g., control group, randomization, or placebo).
- Explain how the design decision addresses the threat of spontaneous remission.
- Relate the design decision back to ensuring changes in outcome Y are wholly due to influence X.
Rubric: The response must apply internal validity by proposing a design decision (such as utilizing a randomized control group or a placebo control group) and explaining how it rules out spontaneous remission as an alternative explanation, ensuring changes in outcome Y are wholly due to influence X.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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A clinical researcher wants to test whether a new therapy technique (influence X) reduces clinical depression symptoms (outcome Y). Apply the concept of internal validity to propose one concrete design decision that would ensure that any systematic changes in depression symptoms are wholly due to the therapy (influence X) rather than the natural improvement of participants over time (spontaneous remission).