Experimental control is important because it enables the researcher to ensure that:
A) participants are randomly assigned to groups.
B) differences in the dependent variable are explained by differences in the independent variable.
C) levels of the independent variable are consistent.
D) he or she does not know which participants are in which condition.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Experimental control is important in order to establish a causal relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable. If the researcher can control for all extraneous variables and manipulate the independent variable, then any differences observed in the dependent variable can be attributed to the manipulation of the independent variable. This ensures that differences in the dependent variable are explained by differences in the independent variable, as stated in option B.

Experimental Control Is Important Because It Enables the Researcher to Ensure