Which term refers to the data collected before any manipulation to serve as a comparison point for post-manipulation results?

Which term refers to the data collected before any manipulation to serve as a comparison point for post-manipulation results?

• A. Baseline measure
• B. Debriefing
• C. Order effects
• D. Reactivity effects

Answer: (A)

A baseline measure is data collected before any manipulation to serve as a reference point for post-manipulation results. It establishes each participant’s starting level, allowing you to see how much and in what direction the outcome changes after the manipulation. This helps separate the effect of the manipulation from pre-existing differences between individuals and provides a meaningful comparison for evaluating impact. Debriefing happens after the study to explain the purpose and procedures; order effects arise from the sequence in which conditions are presented and can confound results; reactivity effects occur when participants alter their behavior because they know they are being observed.

A baseline measure is data collected before any manipulation to serve as a reference point for post-manipulation results. It establishes each participant’s starting level, allowing you to see how much and in what direction the outcome changes after the manipulation. This helps separate the effect of the manipulation from pre-existing differences between individuals and provides a meaningful comparison for evaluating impact.

Debriefing happens after the study to explain the purpose and procedures; order effects arise from the sequence in which conditions are presented and can confound results; reactivity effects occur when participants alter their behavior because they know they are being observed.