To determine if sugar-rich diets affect hyperactivity in kids, a researcher prepared two daily menus that children would receive for a 30-day period. A high-sugar diet was given to the boys, while the girls had a menu that seemed identical but was not a high-sugar diet. At the end of 30 days, the boys and girls were evaluated to determine their levels of hyperactivity. In this study, the high-sugar diet is the __________.
A) placebo
B) independent variable
C) dependent variable
D) control group

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The independent variable is the variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher in an experiment. In this case, the researcher prepared two different menus, one with a high-sugar diet and one that appeared to be the same but wasn't high in sugar. Therefore, the high-sugar diet is the independent variable as it is the variable being manipulated. The dependent variable, in this case, would be the level of hyperactivity, as it is the variable being measured to determine if it is affected by the high-sugar diet. The control group would be a separate group of children who do not receive either menu to compare the results. A placebo is a substance or treatment that is given to the control group to ensure that any changes observed are due to the treatment being tested and not a placebo effect. However, there is no indication of a placebo in this experiment.

To Determine If Sugar-Rich Diets Affect Hyperactivity in Kids, a Researcher