When people are at their heaviest weight,whatever they do to try to lose pounds is likely to be followed by weight loss rather than weight gain.This is explained in terms of
A) the standard deviation.
B) illusory correlation.
C) the "decline effect."
D) regression toward the mean.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This phenomenon is best explained by regression toward the mean, which refers to the tendency for extreme scores on a variable to be followed by less extreme scores on subsequent measurements. At their heaviest weight, individuals are likely to have extreme scores on their weight variable, and any subsequent changes in weight are likely to be less extreme and closer to the mean. Therefore, their weight is more likely to decrease than increase.

When People Are at Their Heaviest Weight,whatever They Do to Try