The retrospective pretest and the role of pretest information in evaluative studies.

Examined the possible role of pretest information in preventing the response-shift phenomenon. 39 university students registered for a course in group management were divided among 3 conditions: (1) an experimental group which was given pretest information about the course, (2) a control group which received no information, and (3) a waiting-list group. Contrary to expectation, the Ss' ratings were somewhat lower in the pretest-information condition. It was concluded that the pretest information provided was not effective enough. Use of a correct amount of reliable pretest information is recommended; otherwise this information may function as a minicourse in itself and thereby confound the hypothesized or expected results.