A potential solution to the problem of drawing causal inferences based on the natural groups design is to use a complex design involving a natural groups design for an individual differences variable along with a manipulated independent variable.An important key to this potential solution is to
A) obtain a main effect of the individual differences variable but not of the manipulated independent variable.
B) obtain a main effect of the manipulated independent variable but not of the individual differences variable.
C) obtain main effects of both the individual differences variable and the manipulated independent variable.
D) obtain an interaction effect of the individual differences variable and the manipulated independent variable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order to draw causal inferences based on the natural groups design, a complex design involving a natural groups design for an individual differences variable along with a manipulated independent variable should be used. The potential solution would be to obtain an interaction effect of the individual differences variable and the manipulated independent variable. This would indicate that the effect of the independent variable differs for individuals based on their individual differences variable, allowing for causal inferences to be drawn. Obtaining main effects for both variables or only one variable would not necessarily provide a solution to the problem of drawing causal inferences based on natural groups design.

A Potential Solution to the Problem of Drawing Causal Inferences