An artifact exists when
A) two variables are combined so that the effect of one cannot be separated from the effect of the other.
B) some aspect of the research situation other than the independent variable affects the dependent variable.
C) the measures used in a study exhibit high reliability but low validity.
D) some aspects of participants' personal histories influence how they respond on the dependent variable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An artifact exists when some aspect of the research situation other than the independent variable affects the dependent variable. This can lead to results that are not accurate or informative about the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Common artifacts include experimenter bias, demand characteristics, and placebo effects. It is important for researchers to be aware of and try to control for artifacts in their studies.

An Artifact Exists When