A researcher investigates whether age affects working memory capacity. They recruit a sample of 30 young adults (aged 18−2518-2518−25) and 30 older adults (aged 65−7565-7565−75) and test them using a standardised computerised memory task in a controlled laboratory.
Which of the following is a methodological limitation specific to this quasi-experimental design?
The researcher's direct manipulation of the independent variable introduces investigator effects.
The standardised laboratory setting lacks reliability, making it difficult to replicate.
It is impossible to randomly allocate participants to the conditions of the independent variable.
Natural participant attrition over time will prevent the researcher from drawing valid conclusions.
644 exam-style questions on OCR A Level Psychology Research methods and techniques. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.