A Researcher Is Carrying Out a Quasi-Experimental Study

question 94

Multiple Choice

A researcher is carrying out a quasi-experimental study. She has experimental groups in one school, and a control group in another. During the intervention phase of her study, the control school has a small fire that forces students to leave the school for one hour. She finds huge differences between the experimental and control groups after the study is completed. While there could be an effect of her intervention, a possible rival hypothesis might be:

• A) There was a maturation effect
• B) There was an instrumentation effect
• C) There was a differential history or selection-history effect
• D) There was a selection-maturation effect

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Definitions:

Axelrod's Experiments

A series of computer tournaments designed by Robert Axelrod to examine strategies in the iterated prisoner's dilemma.

Prisoners' Dilemma Game

The Prisoners' Dilemma Game is a standard example of a game analyzed in game theory that shows why two rational individuals might not cooperate, even if it appears that it is in their best interest to do so.

Nash Equilibrium

A concept in game theory where no player can benefit by changing strategies if other players keep their strategies unchanged.

Maximin Strategy

A strategic choice aiming to ensure the best of the worst-case outcomes in a competitive or uncertain environment.