The nonequivalent comparison group design can yield several possible outcomes. A possible outcome of the non-equivalent comparison group design is that the groups differ on the pretest and both groups improve on the posttest, but to different degrees. This could reflect the fact that the independent variable had an effect on the experimental group. It could also reflect
A) an unreliable dependent measure.
B) the fact that the control group experienced less of the independent variable than the experimental group did.
C) a participant-expectation effect.
D) a selection-maturation effect.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A selection-maturation effect occurs when differences between groups are due to the natural maturation of participants rather than the independent variable, especially if groups were not equivalent at the start.

The Nonequivalent Comparison Group Design Can Yield Several Possible Outcomes