Researchers assess the baseline performance of people with respect to a given behaviour so they can identify what happens to behaviour when they manipulate a variable. The use of baseline groups and groups that experience a manipulation of a variable is characteristic of:
A) correlational studies
B) longitudinal research
C) naturalistic observation
D) experimental research

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The use of baseline groups and groups that experience a manipulation of a variable is a key characteristic of experimental research. In an experiment, researchers manipulate a variable (independent variable) and measure the effect on another variable (dependent variable) while controlling for other variables that could influence the outcome. A baseline group is used to establish a starting point for the dependent variable before the independent variable is manipulated. This allows researchers to compare the baseline group's performance to that of the group that experienced the manipulation, providing insight into the impact of the variable on the dependent variable.

Researchers Assess the Baseline Performance of People with Respect to a Given