In studying the effects of hunger on competition, a researcher has subjects skip one, two, or three meals and then play a competitive game. She notes the number of points scored by subjects in the three hunger groups. In this example, the dependent variable is
A) the number of meals missed.
B) the amount of food consumed.
C) the number of games played.
D) the number of points scored.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dependent variable, or the outcome being measured, in this study is the number of points scored by subjects in the three hunger groups. The number of meals missed (A) is a manipulation of the independent variable, or the variable being changed to see if it has an effect on the dependent variable. The amount of food consumed (B) and the number of games played (C) are not relevant to the research question and are not being measured as outcomes.

In Studying the Effects of Hunger on Competition, a Researcher