Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

What threat to internal validity arises from varying the locations of sales training programs in different neighborhoods?

1. A source of unreliability

2. A source of reactivity

3. A threat to internal validity

4. A threat to statistical validity

The correct answer is: A threat to internal validity

The correct answer acknowledges that varying the locations of sales training programs in different neighborhoods indeed presents a threat to internal validity. Internal validity refers to the degree to which a study can establish a causal relationship between variables without interference from other factors. When training programs are conducted in different neighborhoods, factors such as socio-economic status, cultural differences, or neighborhood characteristics may influence the outcomes of the training. These contextual variables could introduce confounding effects, making it difficult to attribute any changes in sales performance solely to the training itself. By conducting training in varied settings, researchers may not be able to determine whether observed effects are due to the training or to the specific characteristics of the neighborhoods in which the training was delivered. This can lead to inaccurate conclusions about the effectiveness of the training program, thus posing a significant threat to internal validity. In contrast, other threats mentioned, such as reactivity, unreliability, or statistical validity, pertain to different aspects of research design and analysis. Reactivity, for instance, typically refers to when subjects alter their behavior because they are being observed, which isn't directly related to the control of different settings.