Final answer:
A change that does not affect consistency, in the context of accounting, is akin to a physical change in chemistry where there is no formation of a new substance. None of the options provided in the question represent a physical change; therefore, all of them would affect consistency due to changes in accounting principles or corrections of errors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about a change that does not affect consistency. The term 'consistency' in this context refers to the method of accounting that is used consistently from one financial period to another. A change that does not affect consistency is generally a physical change.
A physical change occurs when there is a change in the physical properties of a substance but no new substance is formed. Examples of physical changes include the condensation of steam, the dissolving of sugar in water, and the melting of gold. These changes can be seen or felt, but the particles involved are not broken up into different substances, which means the chemical composition remains the same.
Therefore, given the options provided:
- a. Change expected to have a material future effect is not correct because it could pertain to a change that will affect consistency.
- b. Change in accounting principle would affect consistency since it involves altering the method of accounting.
- c. Correction of an error in principle also would affect consistency as it means past financial statements may be restated to correct the error.
Thus, d. None of the above are considered changes that do not affect consistency, as each represents a change that would either modify the accounting approach or correct a previous error in financial statements resulting in a potential inconsistency over time.