What does maturation refer to in research studies?

Maturation refers to the natural developmental changes that occur in participants over time, which can affect the outcomes of a research study. This concept is particularly important when studying populations, such as children or adolescents, where physiological, cognitive, and emotional growth can significantly influence behavioral responses and performance on assessments. Recognizing maturation as a variable helps researchers account for changes that are not a result of the treatment or intervention being studied but rather due to the participants simply aging or developing naturally. This understanding allows for more accurate interpretations of the research findings and helps in distinguishing true effects of the intervention from those that are merely a consequence of the participants' growth and development over time.