Why Do Researchers Randomly Assign Participants to Conditions

question 36

Multiple Choice

Why do researchers randomly assign participants to conditions?

• A) to control extraneous variables
• B) to ensure that they find a strong statistical relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable
• C) to discover whether there is a placebo effect
• D) to avoid fatigue effects

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Definitions:

Learned Helplessness

A psychological state resulting from enduring repeated aversive stimuli beyond one's control, leading to a decreased ability to influence future outcomes and a sense of powerlessness.

Social Cognitive Theorists

Scholars who focus on understanding how people learn by watching others and how they control their own behavior through self-regulation and self-reflection.

Behavioral Theorists

Researchers focused on investigating how observable behaviors are learned and maintained through interactions with the environment.

Cognitive-behavioral Psychologist

A mental health professional specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy, focusing on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.