A researcher is interested in the relationship between depression and the loss of a loved one. The individuals of interest are b
ereaved adults and nonbereaved adults. The variables in this study receive no manipulation, and depression is measured in both sets of adults. This is an example of: naturalistic observation. a group comparison study. an experimental study. a case study.
The correct answer is ''a group comparison study.''
Explanation:
The group comparison study is the study of a group of people or organizations that have not participated in a public intervention, which is compared with a group that has participated, in order to analyze the net effects of the intervention. Whatever the mode of selection of the comparison group, its characteristics should be as similar as possible to those of the direct recipients. To do this correctly, the specific characteristics of each group must be described in depth at the beginning of the study.
