Research Variables Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a dependent variable in a research study?

A variable that influences other variables

A variable being measured in an experiment, reflecting an outcome (correct)

A variable that does not change in an experiment

A variable that researchers directly control

What is another term for a dependent variable?

Outcome variable (correct)

Confounding variable

Control variable

Moderator variable

What is the role of a dependent variable in a research study?

To reflect an outcome and show a response to changes in other variables (correct)

To control other variables in the study

To remain constant throughout the experiment

To influence the independent variable

What distinguishes a dependent variable from an independent variable?

Dependent variable reflects an outcome, while independent variable is manipulated by researchers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a dependent variable in an experiment?

To provide insight into the relationship between different variables Signup and view all the answers

What is a moderator variable in the context of the text?

A variable that changes the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables Signup and view all the answers

In an experiment about the effect of temperature on plant growth, what is an example of a control variable?

Amount of water and soil type Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of control variables in an experiment?

To keep certain variables constant between conditions to prevent them from becoming confounding Signup and view all the answers

What is an extraneous variable in the context of an experiment?

A variable that may influence the dependent variable but is not the focus of the study Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a moderator variable in the context of an experiment?

To change how much the independent variable influences the dependent variable Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a dependent variable?

The student's test scores Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an independent variable?

The length of time spent on the phone prior to sleeping Signup and view all the answers

What is a confounding variable also known as?

Third variable Signup and view all the answers

What type of variable may make the relationship between the independent and dependent variables weaker than initially predicted or observed?

Extraneous variable Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of identifying and handling confounding variables in a study?

To ensure the results of a study are valid Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding Dependent and Independent Variables in Research

Dependent variable, usually referred to as "Y", is placed on the left-hand-side of the equation.
Dependent variable may be called the "Y" variable and is usually on the y-axis in graphs.
Example of a dependent variable: student's test scores influenced by factors like study time, sleep, and stress levels.
Independent variable is controlled or manipulated by the researcher in a study.
Independent variable can also be called the explanatory, predictor, right-hand-side, or X variable.
Independent variables are often referred to as "X" in basic algebraic equations and plotted using the x-axis.
Examples of independent variables in research: age, temperature, traffic, and coffee consumption.
Examples of dependent variables in research: plant growth, mood, walking speed, test scores, and hunger levels.
Confounding variables, also known as "third variables," can influence the dependent variable and cause issues in a study.
Extraneous variables, such as demand characteristics, experimenter effect, and situational variables, can weaken the relationship between independent and dependent variables in a research experiment.
Confounding variables can lead to misattribution of results, while extraneous variables can affect the predicted or observed relationship between variables.
Validity refers to the closeness of results between repeated experiments and is crucial for ensuring the relationship observed between variables is real.

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Description

Test your knowledge of research variables with this quiz. Explore the concept of variables in research studies and understand their role in influencing outcomes.