When participants are selected because they have or have not experienced something unique in the real world (e.g., they have lived in a homeless shelter/not lived in a shelter), researchers call this type of independent variable a(n) ______.
A) selected treatment
B) experience treatment
C) subject treatment
D) natural treatment

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The independent variable in this case is not manipulated by the researcher but rather is a naturally occurring characteristic of the participants based on whether they have experienced something unique in the real world. Therefore, the correct term for this type of independent variable is a natural treatment. This rules out answer choices A, B, and C, which all imply some kind of intentional manipulation of the variable by the researcher.

When Participants Are Selected Because They Have or Have Not