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Case Study

Identify the non-manipulated independent variable in Dr. Rivera's study. Explain why this specific variable must naturally function as a between-subjects factor rather than a within-subjects factor.

Case context: Dr. Rivera conducts a study examining how memory training affects recall. She randomly assigns participants to either receive the memory training or not. She also measures participants' pre-existing levels of self-esteem to see if this trait impacts the training's effectiveness.

Question: Identify the non-manipulated independent variable in Dr. Rivera's study. Explain why this specific variable must naturally function as a between-subjects factor rather than a within-subjects factor.

Sample answer: The non-manipulated independent variable is the participants' pre-existing level of self-esteem. It naturally functions as a between-subjects factor because self-esteem is a participant variable; an individual can only be tested in one condition of their pre-existing trait.

Key points:

  • The non-manipulated independent variable is self-esteem.
  • Self-esteem is a participant variable that is pre-existing.
  • It functions as a between-subjects factor because an individual can only be tested in one condition of their pre-existing trait.

Rubric: Full credit requires identifying self-esteem as the non-manipulated variable and explaining that a participant can only belong to one condition of this pre-existing trait.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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