I would consider this to be a true experiment using a randomized block
design. The participant's sex, which is not a true independent
variable, defines the block. The sex of the target person is a true
independent variable, which is manipulated within blocks. The
conclusions may be causal (is helping affected by the sex of the target
person), or correlational (is helping affected by the participant's
sex). However, the value of the design is that it allows you to
determine whether the effects of the independent variable depend on the
participant's sex, a question which is not purely causal or
correlational.
--
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* Mike Scoles * [EMAIL PROTECTED] *
* Department of Psychology * voice: (501) 450-5418 *
* University of Central Arkansas * fax: (501) 450-5424 *
* Conway, AR 72035-0001 * *
************ http://www.coe.uca.edu/psych/mscoles.htm ****************
