Given below are the three types of psychological investigations:

(1) field experiments,

(2) laboratory experiments, and

(3) ex post facto field studies.

If the above investigation are arranged in descending order in terms of researcher's ability to control secondary variance, the typical order would be?

1. A

   2, 1, 3

2. B

   3, 1, 2

3. C

   2, 3, 1

4. D

   3, 2, 1

Appeared in: GMCH Chandigarh - 2019

Explanation

Listen in Hindi

• [object Object].
• 2, 1, 3 matches the defining clue or classification criterion in the stem.
• Supporting mechanism: The option aligns with the governing rule, pattern, sequence, classification, or exam logic being tested.
• Key differentiator: It fits the one fact that separates the correct response from the closest distractor.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option B: This option incorrectly places ex post facto studies (3) as having the most control, which is the opposite of reality. These studies have the least control over secondary variance.
• Option C: This option correctly identifies laboratory experiments (2) as having the most control but incorrectly reverses the order of field experiments (1) and ex post facto studies (3). Field experiments involve manipulation and thus have more control than non-manipulative ex post facto studies.
• Option D: This option is incorrect for the same reason as option B; it mistakenly identifies ex post facto studies (3) as having the highest level of control.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Control over variables in different psychological research designs as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• [object Object].
• What if? - If the stem changed one defining clue so that 2, 1, 3 no longer matched, reassess the option whose mechanism, classification, or indication now fits the revised presentation.

How to Approach the Question

• [object Object]

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Control over variables in different psychological research designs.
• Stem keywords: psychological investigations, field experiments, laboratory experiments, ex post facto field studies, control secondary variance
• Lead-in keywords: arrange, descending order
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QCfwbahUQLsyfsbJe4Vz3W

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Psychology Baron Misra 5e Part 1 p. 52-54

E6 Psychology Applied Sreevani 6e Sem1 p. 28-30

E6 NursingResearch Sukhpal Kaur p. 180-182