In a quasi-experiment, which statement is true?

In a quasi-experiment, which statement is true?

• A. The IV is manipulated by the researcher
• B. Participants are randomly assigned to conditions
• C. The IV exists naturally and is not manipulated by the researcher
• D. The IV exists naturally and is not manipulated by the researcher

Answer: (D)

In a quasi-experiment, you’re looking at the effect of a variable that isn’t created or assigned by the researcher. The groups you compare arise from a naturally occurring difference or condition, not from random assignment. So the IV exists naturally and is not manipulated by the researcher, which is why this statement is true. The other options describe setups where the researcher manipulates the IV or assigns participants at random to conditions, which fits a true experimental design rather than a quasi-experiment.

In a quasi-experiment, you’re looking at the effect of a variable that isn’t created or assigned by the researcher. The groups you compare arise from a naturally occurring difference or condition, not from random assignment. So the IV exists naturally and is not manipulated by the researcher, which is why this statement is true. The other options describe setups where the researcher manipulates the IV or assigns participants at random to conditions, which fits a true experimental design rather than a quasi-experiment.