In a natural experiment, researchers
A) manipulate an independent variable in a natural setting and use existing groups of people as the experimental and control groups.
B) take advantage of events outside their control that, in effect, manipulate an independent variable.
C) study people's natural behavioral responses to a manipulated independent variable in a natural setting.
D) have participants fill out questionnaires, the content of which manipulates the independent variable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a natural experiment, researchers take advantage of events outside their control that, in effect, manipulate an independent variable. They observe and analyze the natural differences in the dependent variable between groups that are exposed to different levels of the independent variable, without actively manipulating it.

In a Natural Experiment, Researchers