5) A researcher asks a group of participants to solve a list of anagrams: first in a cold room and then, with a different list, in a hot room. The results in the hot room are higher thus the researcher concludes that heat improves cognitive ability. Which of the following is a likely confounding variable?
A) Some participants are better at anagram solving
B) Heat
C) Practice with anagrams
D) Cold

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The practice effect with anagrams is a likely confounding variable, as participants may have improved on the second list due to increased familiarity with the task from the first list. The other options (A, B, D) are not confounding variables as they are the independent variable (heat), a participant characteristic (skill at anagram solving), or a control condition (cold).

5) a Researcher Asks a Group of Participants to Solve