A researcher wants to test the effect of alcohol on driving performance. Participants first drive through an obstacle course before drinking any alcohol. The participants then drink 8 ounces of alcohol and drive the course again. After each trial, the number of traffic cones hit is recorded. The researcher finds that the number of traffic cones hit is greater before rather than after the participants drank the alcohol. What may best account for the change in performance?
A)Maturation
B)History
C)Testing effect
D)Instrument decay

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The testing effect refers to the phenomenon where participants' performance is influenced by previous exposure to the test. In this case, driving through the obstacle course before drinking any alcohol may have acted as a practice round, allowing participants to become more familiar with the course and improve their driving skills. Therefore, their performance may have improved due to the testing effect, rather than the alcohol having a negative impact on their driving ability.

A Researcher Wants to Test the Effect of Alcohol on Driving