Which of the following is not a key threat to internal validity?

Which of the following is not a key threat to internal validity?

(a) Maturation

(b) Instrumentation

(c) Temporal change

(d) History

✅ Correct option: (c) Temporal change

Explanation:

Internal validity refers to the degree to which observed effects in a study are due to the independent variable rather than other factors. Common threats include maturation, instrumentation, history, testing, selection, and mortality. Maturation refers to natural changes within participants over time, such as aging or fatigue. Instrumentation involves changes in measurement methods, while history includes external events affecting participants during the study. “Temporal change” is not recognized as a standard threat to internal validity in classical research methodology. Although time-related factors may influence research, they are already covered under maturation and history. Hence, temporal change is not considered a key threat.

10 Related PPSC Facts:

Internal validity ensures causal inference. History affects long-term studies. Maturation is common in developmental research. Instrumentation affects measurement accuracy. Testing causes practice effects. Selection bias affects group equality. Mortality refers to participant dropout. Control groups improve validity. Randomization reduces threats. Internal validity precedes external validity.