Questions below are based on the following simulation: A researcher attempted to discover if the amount of learned material retained by first-grade children was a function of the mode by which the material was presented. Two first-grade classes are selected, Miss Emily McKenna's class and 142 Miss Clair Keating's class. The study began at 9 AM on a Monday morning. By a flip of a coin, Mrs. Vivian's class was chosen to receive a visual presentation, whereas in Miss McKenna's class an auditory presentation of the same material was used. One hour later, the two groups were compared regarding the amount of material that was retained.
-If the children had instead been randomly assigned to the two groups, then the above case would have illustrated the
A) quasi-experimental method.
B) post-facto method.
C) repeated-measures method.
D) true experiment.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The study described is a true experiment because the researcher manipulated the independent variable (mode of presentation) and randomly assigned participants to groups. If the participants had been randomly assigned to the groups, it would still be a true experiment. Quasi-experimental methods do not involve random assignment of participants to groups, post-facto methods involve comparing groups based on pre-existing conditions, and repeated-measures methods involve measuring the same participants multiple times.

Questions Below Are Based on the Following Simulation: a Researcher