What is a limitation of group research design regarding participant dropout?

In the context of group research design, attrition, or participant dropout, is a vital concern. A significant limitation of group research design is that attrition can notably impact the results. When participants drop out of a study, it may lead to a biased sample or alter the study's outcomes, as the remaining participants may not represent the original group. High rates of attrition can skew data and undermine the validity of the research findings.

Retention rates are not guaranteed to be high, and it is not a requirement for all participants to remain in the study until its conclusion. Furthermore, classifying attrition as insignificant fails to acknowledge how it can disrupt the statistical power of a study and potentially lead to misinterpretations of the data. Therefore, acknowledging the impacts of attrition on group research design is critical for understanding the limitations of such studies, emphasizing that the correct focus is on how attrition can significantly affect research outcomes.