A friend of yours, a senior, took the Graduate Record Exam in September and scored in the 99th percentile. In February your friend took the same exam over again. This time your friend scored in the 84th percentile. As a research methodology student, you told your friend that his/her lowered score was probably due to:
A) testing.
B) history.
C) statistical regression.
D) demoralization.
E) compensation rivalry.

Question

A friend of yours, a senior, took the Graduate Record Exam in September and scored in the 99th percentile. In February your friend took the same exam over again. This time your friend scored in the 84th percentile. As a research methodology student, you told your friend that his/her lowered score was probably due to:​
A) testing.​
B) history.​
C) statistical regression.​
D) demoralization.​
E) ​compensation rivalry.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Statistical regression is the phenomenon wherein individuals who score extremely high or low on a test are likely to score closer to the mean on their subsequent attempts. Therefore, it is likely that the friend's lowered score can be attributed to statistical regression. The other options - testing, history, demoralization, and compensation rivalry - do not offer a satisfactory explanation for the friend's lowered score.

A Friend of Yours, a Senior, Took the Graduate Record