Validity in research is an important aspect that ensures the causes and effects identified in a research are in fact causal relationships. There are four different types of validity that are involved in a research design: statistical conclusion validity, internal validity, constructs validity and external validity. Internal validity involves the possibility that the identified relationship could be as a result of other causes (Polit & Beck, 2017).
In Metheny and Davis-Jackson’s research, ‘Effectiveness of an aspiration risk-reduction protocol’, there are potential concerns that could be raised about the study’s internal validity. The internal validity of the research would be affected by demand characteristics. Demand characteristics involve the situations where the participants of the research try to behave in a certain way because they think that is what is expected of them. In Metheny and Davis-Jackson’s research, the results of the study would be affected by the demand characteristics threat.
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The threat can be eliminated by implementing the single-blind study and double-blind study techniques. The single-blind technique involves conducting a research when the participants do not know the conditions they are in. The double-blind technique is where both the experimenter and the participant do not know the groups they constitute. Applying these techniques would affect the other three types of validity. In external validity, the collected data would be more accurate and therefore the conclusions of the study could be applied in other situations and stimuli. Additionally, statistical conclusion validity would be affected as the conclusions about the relationships between various variables would be accurate. Collection of accurate data means that the conclusions made would be reasonable.
It is important for researchers to consider the validity of every research study they conduct. According to Shutz et al. (2008), considering the validity of every research study is important as the clinical research could be used to inform treatment-selection procedures by practitioners. Without considering the validity of research studies, researchers could end up with biased and false results that would be harmful once the results are public. Research studies that cannot be generalized cannot be effective enough when applied in real life.
References
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (10th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
Schultz, L. E., Rivers, K. O., & Ratusnik, D. L. (2008). The role of external validity in evidence-based practice for rehabilitation. Rehabilitation Psychology, 53 (3), 294–302.
