If a researcher is interested in whether a new training technique affects reading achievement scores, and the group chosen for the study is already high in reading-achievement levels, the lack of any further significant increase may be due to the
A) researcher having chosen the .05 rather than the .01 level of statistical significance
B) halo effect
C) Hawthorne effect
D) ceiling effect

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lack of further significant increase in reading achievement scores may be due to the ceiling effect, which occurs when a group has already reached the highest level of performance possible on a particular task or measure. In this case, since the group is already high in reading achievement, it may be difficult for the new training technique to produce any further significant gains. Therefore, the ceiling effect is the most likely explanation.

If a Researcher Is Interested in Whether a New Training