In a laboratory, smokers are asked to drive using a computerized driving simulator and cover the maximum distance possible, while avoiding rear-end collisions. Some volunteers are given a real cigarette to smoke immediately before the test. Others smoke a fake cigarette without nicotine. The number of collisions the two groups make is to be compared. In this study, the dependent variable is:
A) the use of nicotine.
B) the use of a driving simulator.
C) the number of collisions.
D) the speed of each driver.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dependent variable is the variable being measured and compared in the study. In this case, the variable being measured and compared is the number of collisions made by the two groups (those who smoked a real cigarette with nicotine and those who smoked a fake cigarette without nicotine) while using the driving simulator. Therefore, C is the correct choice. A and D are not the dependent variables being measured in this study. B is not the dependent variable as it is the tool or activity used to conduct the study.

In a Laboratory, Smokers Are Asked to Drive Using a Computerized