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Define the term 'manipulation check' in experimental research and state its primary purpose.
Question: Define the term 'manipulation check' in experimental research and state its primary purpose.
Sample answer: A manipulation check is a separate, secondary measurement of the targeted abstract construct that a researcher is trying to manipulate as their independent variable. Its primary purpose is to verify whether the independent variable was successfully altered in the way the researcher intended.
Key points:
- It is a separate or secondary measurement.
- It measures the targeted abstract construct (the independent variable).
- It is used when variables cannot be manipulated directly.
- Its primary purpose is to verify or confirm the manipulation.
- It checks if the construct was altered exactly as the researcher intended.
Rubric: Full credit is awarded if the student correctly identifies the concept as a separate or secondary measurement and explicitly states that its purpose is to verify or confirm that the independent variable was successfully manipulated.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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