Improved Selection of Descriptions in a Social Background Study

The student's method of selecting descriptions for similar and different social backgrounds introduces a significant source of bias. By personally deciding which backgrounds are alike and different, the student's own preconceptions and potential stereotypes could influence the selection, thereby affecting the study's validity.

To improve the study, an independent researcher, completely blind to the study's hypothesis, should be responsible for selecting the descriptions. This individual would receive clear criteria for categorizing social backgrounds as similar or different but remain unaware of the study's purpose or expected outcomes.

This modification significantly enhances the study in several ways:

* Elimination of Researcher Bias: By removing the original researcher from the selection process, the influence of their personal biases and assumptions is eliminated. This ensures a more objective and impartial categorization of social backgrounds. * Increased Validity: With a reduced chance of researcher bias, the study's findings are more likely to reflect genuine differences or similarities between social backgrounds, rather than artifacts of the selection process. This strengthens the validity and trustworthiness of the results.