What is an effect of low IOA on a study?

Low inter-observer agreement (IOA) indicates that there is a discrepancy in the observation or measurement of behaviors between different observers. This lack of consistency can suggest potential observer drift, which means that observers may not be applying the measurement criteria consistently over time or may have different interpretations of the same behaviors. This inconsistency can undermine the reliability and validity of the study's findings, highlighting the importance of training and calibration among observers to ensure they are aligned in their measurements.

In this context, confirming the results' validity or indicating high reliability is directly contradicted by low IOA, as both of those aspects depend on consistent and accurate measurements by observers. Additionally, low IOA does not contribute positively to participant outcomes, as it can lead to variability and uncertainty in how participant behaviors are assessed, potentially affecting the overall results of the study.