After the dictatorship ended in Slobonia, many children were found in state-run orphanages where they had been badly treated and often neglected. These children were placed for adoption and researchers followed their progress over a number of years, measuring psychological and physical indicators of well-being. This type of research is called:
A) unethical because the children were subject to abuse before the researchers did any measurements.
B) a natural experiment.
C) a comparative psychology experiment.
D) pseudoscientific research.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is a natural experiment as the researchers did not manipulate any variables but observed the effects of the independent variable (the experience of being placed in state-run orphanages) on the dependent variables (psychological and physical well-being). While unethical treatment occurred before the study, it is not unethical to measure the effects of such treatment after the fact. It is also not comparative psychology, as there is only one group being studied. Pseudoscientific research is not a valid option as natural experiments are a legitimate form of scientific inquiry.

After the Dictatorship Ended in Slobonia, Many Children Were Found