Question

Imagine the researchers replicated their experiment using a more holistic measure of learning, as suggested in the previous question. If the researchers find that their results don't replicate with this new learning measure, what external validity problem would you say MOST affected the original study?

a) Novelty effect

b) Sampling bias

c) Multiple treatment interference

d) Operational definitions

Answer 1

The researchers replicated :

An inability to replicate study results with a new measure of learning most likely points to issues with the operational definitions used in the original study. This affects the study's external validity, emphasizing the need for consistent and comprehensive definitions to ensure results are trustworthy and applicable in various contexts. the correct option is d) Operational definitions.

Step-by-step explanation:

If researchers find that their results do not replicate with a new measure of learning, this would most likely indicate a problem with operational definitions in the original study. Robust research depends on clear and consistent conceptualization of variables. In the context of a tutoring study, varying operational definitions of what constitutes "learning" or "improvement" can significantly impact the results. For example, if one study defines learning improvement as a grade jump from a C to a B, but another considers only raises to an A as improvement, results will not be comparable.

Similarly, differing descriptions of what constitutes "tutoring" could lead to replication failure. When the replication of the study results fails due to a change in how learning is measured, it signifies that the original operational definitions were not robust enough to capture the essence of the educational phenomenon under investigation.