Which of the following factors should be included in standardized instructions for participants?

Including procedures relevant to the study in standardized instructions for participants is essential for several reasons. First and foremost, clear and consistent procedures help ensure that all participants have a uniform understanding of what to expect during the research process. This uniformity is critical for maintaining the internal validity of the study, as it minimizes variability in how participants engage with the experimental conditions.

By outlining the specific steps participants will follow, the instructions can reduce anxiety or confusion, allowing participants to focus on the tasks at hand. Additionally, clear procedures help facilitate informed consent, as participants are more able to comprehend what their involvement entails, which is crucial for ethical research practices.

In contrast, while sharing the hypothesis can provide interesting context, it may inadvertently influence participants' responses or behavior, as they may try to guess what the researchers are looking for. Information about incentives is important but typically pertains to the recruitment and retention of participants rather than the execution of the study itself. Personal experiences of the researcher may introduce bias and should not be shared as part of standardized instructions, as they do not contribute to the procedural understanding necessary for participating in the study.