However, we took care in
minimizing the effects of these. For example, the possibility of
bias is first minimized by keeping data gathering anonymous
and excluding the pre and post test results from summative
assessments; the bias is also minimized by the fact that both the
pre and the post tests are confidence-opinion based and use
very similar and matching constructs and since the differences
in the scores are used in the calculations (see next section) any
bias is likely to be cancelled out to a certain extend;
reproducibility of the evaluation process is addressed by
making the methodology as thorough as possible and designing
reliable pre and post tests closely in line with the learning
outcomes of the practical exercises using the simulations;
demonstrating validity of the methodology is addressed to a
great extend by paying close attention to the internal
consistency and reliability of the test items while designing the tests