Question at position 24 As a researcher, Dr. Cher uses the same test for pretest and posttest assessments to measure cognitive improvement after an intervention. The participants perform better on the posttest because they are familiar with the questions. Which internal validity threat does this illustrate?MaturationInstrumentationObserver biasTestingSingle choice
A
Maturation
B
Instrumentation
C
Observer bias
D
Testing

Question

Question at position 24 As a researcher, Dr. Cher uses the same test for pretest and posttest assessments to measure cognitive improvement after an intervention. The participants perform better on the posttest because they are familiar with the questions. Which internal validity threat does this illustrate?MaturationInstrumentationObserver biasTestingSingle choice

A

Maturation

B

Instrumentation

C

Observer bias

D

Testing

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Question: As a researcher, Dr. Cher uses the same test for pretest and posttest assessments to measure cognitive improvement after an intervention. The participants perform better on the posttest because they are familiar with the questions. Which internal validity threat does this illustrate?
Options: ["Maturation", "Instrumentation", "Observer bias", "Testing"]

Option 1: Maturation. Maturation refers to natural changes in participants over time that could affect the outcome, such as aging, fatigue, or recovery. In this scenario, the improvement is specifically attributed to repeated exposure to the same test rather than a natural developmental change, so maturation is not the primary threat.

Option 2: Instrumentation. Instrumentation involves changes in the measurement instrument or scoring procedures across time, such as rater drift or inconsistent test administration. Here, the same test is used both times, and there is no indication that the measurement tool itself changed between pretest and posttest, so instrumentation is unlikely.

Option 3: Observer bias. Observer bias occurs when the researcher’s expectations influence data collection or interpretation. Since the issue described centers on participants’ familiarity with the test items rather than observer influence, observer bias does not best explain the effect observed.

Option 4: Testing. Testing refers to the act of taking a test more than once, where familiarity with the test items, practice effects, or retaking can lead to improved scores independent of any real cognitive change from the intervention. This matches the described scenario where repeated exposure to the same questions leads to higher posttest scores due to familiarity rather than true improvement.