In a true experimental design:
A) every threat to the validity of the conclusions reached is eliminated.
B) treatments to different samples are implemented with significant variations.
C) the validity of a conclusion is confirmed if a threat is plausible.
D) an independent variable is manipulated by the researcher to assess the effect of the manipulation on a dependent variable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a true experimental design, the researcher manipulates an independent variable to observe the effect on a dependent variable. This allows the researcher to establish cause-and-effect relationships between the variables. The other options presented are incorrect. While a true experimental design seeks to control for threats to validity, it is not possible to eliminate all threats. The treatments must be consistent and standardized across different samples, not varied. The validity of a conclusion is not confirmed by the plausibility of potential threats - it is determined by the robustness of the experimental design and the strength of the evidence gathered.

In a True Experimental Design