Final answer:
A manipulation check assesses whether the manipulation of the independent variable in an experiment has had the intended effect on the participants, confirming the experiment's accuracy. Therefore, the correct option is Option B) 'A measure used to assess whether the independent variable has had the intended effect on the participants'.
Step-by-step explanation:
A manipulation check is a measure used in experimental research to assess whether the independent variable has had the intended effect on participants. This involves verifying if the manipulation of the independent variable during an experiment has successfully influenced participants in the way that was intended by the researcher. It is crucial for the validity of an experiment to confirm that any observed effects on the dependent variable are due to the experimental manipulation and not other factors. Option B) 'A measure used to assess whether the independent variable has had the intended effect on the participants' best describes a manipulation check. It is not merely checking with participants (Option A) or an ethical guideline (Option C) or a method for analyzing qualitative data (Option D). Thus, a manipulation check ensures that the change in the dependent variable can be attributed to the experimental manipulation of the independent variable, thereby confirming the accuracy of the experiment.