In Bandura et al.'s (1961) study on the transmission of aggression, children were pre-assessed and rated on four 5-point scales measuring pre-existing aggression. They were then matched in triplets and allocated to the experimental groups. What was the primary methodological purpose of this matching procedure?
To control for participant variables (pre-existing aggressive tendencies) that could act as confounding variables across the treatment groups.
To allow the researchers to employ a repeated measures design and compare each child's aggression before and after exposure to the model.
To guarantee that only children with high baseline aggression were exposed to the aggressive model to ensure observable imitative behavior.
To facilitate counterbalancing of the experimental conditions, thereby eliminating order and practice effects.
