A researcher is exploring the physiological causes of certain learning disorders.This study is ex post facto because the
A) subjects are already known to differ on the dependent variable.
B) subjects are already known to differ on the independent variable.
C) a and b
D) None of these are true.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ex post facto designs, also known as retrospective designs, involve studying existing differences between groups that are already defined based on a variable of interest. In this case, the researcher is studying individuals who already have a learning disorder, making the subjects known to differ on the dependent variable (learning disorder). Therefore, option A is the correct answer. Option B is incorrect because the independent variable (physiological causes) is not yet known, and the study is designed to investigate this variable. Option C is incorrect because it suggests both factors are already known, which is not accurate. Option D is incorrect because the study is ex post facto by definition.

A Researcher Is Exploring the Physiological Causes of Certain Learning