A school psychologist conducts a single-subject study with three students and finds that a new mnemonic strategy significantly improves their spelling test scores. Applying the external validity concerns characteristic of single-subject designs, what main question should a critic ask about these findings before recommending the strategy for all students in the school district?
Question: A school psychologist conducts a single-subject study with three students and finds that a new mnemonic strategy significantly improves their spelling test scores. Applying the external validity concerns characteristic of single-subject designs, what main question should a critic ask about these findings before recommending the strategy for all students in the school district?
Sample answer: A critic should ask how the psychologist can be confident that the spelling strategy will generalize and be effective for other students in the school district. Because the study only involved three students, its external validity is limited, and it is unclear if the treatment effects will apply to the broader student population.
Key points:
- Applying the critique of small sample size (three students) to generalizability.
- Questioning if the mnemonic strategy will be effective for other students in the district.
- Highlighting the concern of generalizing findings from a few participants to the broader population.
Rubric: To receive full credit, the answer must: 1) Apply the critique of small sample size (three students) to generalizability. 2) Ask if the strategy will be effective for other students in the broader district population.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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A school psychologist conducts a single-subject study with three students and finds that a new mnemonic strategy significantly improves their spelling test scores. Applying the external validity concerns characteristic of single-subject designs, what main question should a critic ask about these findings before recommending the strategy for all students in the school district?