A structured observation was conducted to compare the collaborative problem-solving behaviours of Year 7 students from rural primary schools with those from urban primary schools during a group puzzle-assembling task.
The sample consisted of 80 students aged 11, who were observed in small groups of four. Half of the students had attended rural primary schools, and the other half had attended urban schools.
The observation took place in a designated school workspace prepared with standardised puzzle tasks. The students' natural behaviour was observed covertly through a one-way mirror for 10 minutes while they worked together.
To ensure consistency, a standardised set of instructions was read to all groups upon arrival.
Data Summary: The researchers recorded behaviours using a checklist of cooperative indicators. The raw tallies were then converted into a single "Collaboration Index Score" for each student. A statistical test was subsequently conducted to determine whether there was a significant difference in the collaboration scores between the rural and urban school students.
Explain one reason why collecting quantitative data (such as the collaboration index score) could reduce the validity of this study.
235 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Psychology Data handling and analysis. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.