Is yawning really contagious? A researcher curious about this question decided t

Question

Is yawning really contagious? A researcher curious about this question decided to do an observational study. She had research assistants sit in various parts of the university library on a busy day. She instructed her assistants to yawn every thirty minutes and to record how many people yawned after them. What are some ways the researcher can enhance her construct validity of her study? O She can put up flyers around the library saying a study on yawning is currently being conducted to prevent observer O She can make sure her assistants blend in and not draw attention to themselves to prevent reactivity. She can tell her research assistants that she believes yawning is contagious before she has them do the observations to improve observer bias. All of these

Explanation / Answer

construct validity is how well a test or study supports its claim. in this study it is yawning being contagious.

therefore in order to enhance the validity for the study and the outcomes the answer is { she can make sure her assistant blend in and not cause any reactivity} , as this will help during the results, that yawing had a contagious effect or not, rather than other variables.

the other two option are a threat to the validity , as its is the human nature to act cautiously or with anxiety when under pressure, so if the posters are across the library the subjects around may act against the natural state or action. As well in case of telling the observer about the study , it may lead to researcher bias/ expectancies wherein the assistants as they know the terms of study will look only for the conclusive evidence and the expected results.

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