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Can the order of items on a test affect performance? In this study of learned helplessness, students in freshman-level introductory psychology courses were randomly assigned to two groups

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Can the order of items on a test affect performance?

In this study of learned helplessness, students in freshman-level introductory psychology courses were randomly assigned to two groups. Each group took the same test but the test items were arranged differently. One group got the easiest items first and the other got the hardest items first. The authors hypothesized that those taking the version with the hard items first would doubt their abilities resulting in their missing more easy items than would their peers who started with the easy items. What do you think happened? To find out, locate the PDF version of this report in the Education database of Content Select (item # 14053945) and read the discussion. Also, note the generalizations that are made by the authors. Do you think these are justified?