Professor Golder is studying hyperactivity in preschool-age children. She is concerned that differences in child rearing, diet, and so forth may affect her results
To minimize these potential preexisting variables, she should be sure to do which of the following?
A) Use random assignment when forming her groups.
B) Include an independent variable.
C) Include a dependent variable.
D) Assign boys to the experimental group and
Answer: A
Rationale: In an experiment, it is the random assignment of participants to different groups that insures that the groups are roughly equal. This is important, because without random assignment, preexisting differences between participants could act as confounding variables and end up affecting the results. While the independent and dependent variables are also an important part of the experimental method, they do not help to control for preexisting variables.
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Which of the following is true about the stigma associated with psychological disorders?
A) While a mental illness stigma exists, it is not a major barrier to seeking treatment. B) The stigma around psychological disorders is justified, given the danger and unpredictable nature of the mentally ill. C) There is no real stigma associated with psychological disorders. D) While the stigma around mental illness is not justified, seeking treatment for mental illness can lead to discrimination.
Which of the following is NOT associated with a decline in alcohol consumption?
A) Getting married B) Entering the work force C) Less socializing with peers D) Going to college