If the effect of an independent variable does not disappear when the variable is withdrawn in an ABA design,
A)the independent variable did not affect the participant's behavior.
B)the researcher should introduce another level of the independent variable.
C)the effects of the independent variable were only temporary.
D)it is unclear whether behavior was affected by the independent variable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In an ABA design, if the effect of an independent variable does not disappear when the variable is withdrawn, it suggests that other factors might be influencing the behavior, making it unclear whether the behavior was directly affected by the independent variable. This ambiguity arises because the expected outcome is that the behavior would return to baseline levels (similar to the first "A" phase) once the independent variable is removed, indicating a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

If the Effect of an Independent Variable Does Not Disappear