Control is important in an experimental research study for which ...

[cartlidgeashley]

Control is important in an experimental research study for which of these reasons?
 
  a. It ensures maintenance of participant confidentiality.
  b. It introduces one or more constants into the experimental situation.
  c. It prevents data collection from extending beyond the original time specified for the study.
  d. It ensures a cause-and-effect relationship between independent and dependent variables.

Question 2

Which of these criteria is most important when evaluating the results of an experimental research study?
 
  a. The size of the experimental group compared with the size of the control group.
  b. The validity that the experimental treatment caused the desired effect on the outcome.
  c. The congruence of research questions to the purpose and hypotheses.
  d. The ability of the researcher to apply the findings to clinical or practice settings.

[Chelseyj.hasty]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B

Feedback
A Participant confidentiality is protected by the researcher's coding of subjects to mask their identity.
B Control is essential to minimize the effects of extraneous variables on the interaction of the identified independent and dependent variables. Control of variables makes it possible to explain a study's findings with accuracy.
C Control in an experimental design is not related to the time period of the study.
D Control does not ensure a cause-and-effect relationship between the treatment variable and the outcome.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B

Feedback
A Although the groups should not be markedly different in size, findings of an experimental study are not ultimately judged by comparing group sizes.
B The validity of experimental study results depends on how well the researcher has controlled alternative explanatory variables.
C Although important, congruence of research questions, hypotheses, etc., is not the ultimate criterion for evaluating an experimental effect.
D Clinical applicability does not guarantee the validity of experimental results.