True Experimental Designs | Pre-Experimental Designs | |||||
Pre/Post test control group | Solomon Four Group | Post-test only control group | One-shot case study | One group Pre/Post test | Static group comparison | |
Internal Validity | ||||||
History | + | + | + | - | - | + |
Maturation | + | + | + | - | - | ? |
Testing | + | + | + | - | + | |
Instrumentation | + | + | + | - | + | |
Regression | + | + | + | ? | + | |
Selection | + | + | + | - | + | - |
Mortality | + | + | + | - | + | - |
Contamination | + | + | + | - | - | |
External Validity | ||||||
Testing and X | - | + | + | - | ||
Selection and X | ? | ? | ? | - | - | - |
Reactive Arrangements | ? | ? | ? | ? | ||
Multiple X interference |
Quasi-Experimental Designs | ||||||
Time Series | Equivalent Time Samples | Equivalent Materials Samples | Non-equivalent Control Group | Counterbalanced Design | Separate Sample Pre-test Post-test | |
Internal Validity | ||||||
History | - | + | + | + | + | - |
Maturation | + | + | + | + | + | - |
Testing | + | + | + | + | + | + |
Instrumentation | ? | + | + | + | + | ? |
Regression | + | + | + | ? | + | + |
Selection | + | + | + | + | + | + |
Mortality | + | + | + | + | + | - |
Contamination | + | + | + | - | ? | - |
External Validity | ||||||
Testing and X | - | - | - | - | ? | + |
Selection and X | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | + |
Reactive Arrangements | ? | - | ? | ? | ? | + |
Multiple X interference | - | - | - |
2. A plus sign (+) indicates that the threat to validity is controlled. A minus sign (-) indicates a definite weakness in this design concerning the threat to validity. A question mark (?) indicates a possible source of concern; and a blank indicates that the threat is not relevant.