What accounts for the tendency for people who score extremely high or low on some trait to score closer to average when they are measured a second time

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Regression toward the mean is a statistical phenomenon where extreme scores on a measure are likely to be followed by scores that are closer to the population average. This is because extreme scores are often influenced by random or situational factors, rather than just the person's inherent characteristics. Therefore, when the measure is taken a second time, the person is likely to score closer to the mean, regardless of whether they exhibit trait stability or change. The other options (A, B, D) are not relevant to this phenomenon.

What Accounts for the Tendency for People Who Score Extremely