Researchers who were interested in the effects of alcohol consumption on perceived attractiveness of members of the opposite sex randomly assigned participants to two groups. Each participant in the first group received a fruit flavored drink containing a set amount of alcohol and those in the second group received an identical tasting drink with no alcohol. Next, the participants viewed pictures of members of the opposite sex and rated their attractiveness on a scale of 1 to 10. Why did the experimenters include a group that received nonalcoholic drinks?
A) to examine demand characteristics
B) to encourage practice effects
C) to eliminate random assignment
D) to serve as a baseline for comparison against the experimental group

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The group that received nonalcoholic drinks serves as a baseline for comparison against the experimental group, allowing researchers to determine if any differences in perceived attractiveness ratings are due to the presence of alcohol or if it is simply due to chance.

Researchers Who Were Interested in the Effects of Alcohol Consumption