HCD.13:4.2 - Compare delay under reference conditions

Specify a delayed task that elicits the same contribution at a comparable demand and criterion. Use the earlier qualified support conditions, or explain the deliberate change and its effect on the inference. Preserve task access and distinguish material differences from harmless surface variation.

Observe the delayed attempt before remedial teaching when the retention question needs that observation. Keep help, incomplete work, material errors and corrections separate. If the criterion or required source has changed, assess the affected new requirement rather than interpreting every difference as human decline.

The direct comparison is earlier versus delayed performance under the stated reference conditions. It can support retention in that tested envelope and history. It does not isolate the cause of the result from every intervening influence.