Michelle conducts an experiment on the effect of low and high anxiety on test performance. The results achieved are nonsignificant. She does not know if anxiety truly has no effect on performance or whether she had conducted faulty procedures. How could this ambiguity be avoided?
A)By conducting an ethics evaluation
B)By checking the external validity of the variables
C)By factorial study using better controls
D)By conducting a manipulation check

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Conducting a manipulation check can help to determine whether the independent variable (in this case, anxiety) was manipulated correctly and consistently. By ensuring that the manipulation was successful, Michelle can have greater confidence in her findings and the conclusion that anxiety truly has no effect on performance. A manipulation check can also help to identify any potential procedural errors that may have affected the results. Conducting an ethics evaluation or checking the external validity of the variables may not directly address the issue of ambiguity in the results. A factorial study using better controls may be useful in refining the experiment, but it will not necessarily address the issue of ambiguity in the initial results.

Michelle Conducts an Experiment on the Effect of Low and High