Final answer:
The drawback of using a correlated groups design is the reduction in degrees of freedom, which can influence the power of statistical tests. Option c is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
In employing a correlated groups design, one possible drawback is c. reduction in degrees of freedom. This drawback occurs because when using correlated or paired groups, each subject serves as their own control, typically through some form of matching or repeated measures.
As a result, the statistical analysis must account for the fact that the observations are not independent, thereby reducing the degrees of freedom and potentially affecting the power of the statistical tests used.