A maturation confound exists when, in addition to any effects of the independent variable,
A) participants' past experiences affect their response to the dependent variable.
B) taking a pretest affects participants' scores on the posttest.
C) an event occurs outside the research situation that affects participants' responses on the dependent variable.
D) participants' scores on a measure change over time as a result of natural aging processes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A maturation confound occurs when changes in participants' scores on the dependent variable are due to natural aging processes or other maturation factors unrelated to the independent variable. This can make it difficult to determine whether any observed effects are really due to the independent variable or simply the result of participants growing and changing over time. Choices A, B, and C describe other types of confounds, but do not specifically involve maturation.

A Maturation Confound Exists When, in Addition to Any Effects