The AB Design can be used to quickly assess the effects of an experimental variable. Its main disadvantage its inability to distinguish the experimental effect from possible confounds that might occur coincident with the change of condition.
ceÂ·liÂ·ac disÂ·ease. A disease occurring in children and adults characterized by sensitivity to gluten, with chronic inflammation and atrophy of the mucosa of the upper small intestine; manifestations include diarrhea, malabsorption, steatorrhea, and nutritional and vitamin deficiencies.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat and a number of other cereals, including oats, rye and barley. People with celiac disease will find that eating gluten can cause intestinal damage, resulting in the inability to absorb nutrients. Some people who do not have celiac disease may nonetheless be gluten-intolerant.