Which of the following statements about the relationship between estimator variables and policy variables is TRUE?
A) There is no relationship between estimator variables and policy variables.
B) Policy variables are operational definitions of estimator variables.
C) Estimator variables can be useful in understanding how policy variables work.
D) In the best applied research, policy variables are used as independent variables and estimator variables are used as dependent variables.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Estimator variables can help in understanding how policy variables work by providing information on the underlying processes, mechanisms, or conditions that drive the relationship between the policy and the outcomes of interest. For example, if a policy intervention aims to improve educational outcomes, estimator variables such as teacher quality, student motivation, or curriculum design can help explain how the policy is expected to achieve its intended effect. Therefore, using estimator variables in conjunction with policy variables can enhance the validity and usefulness of applied research. Option A is incorrect because there can be a relationship between estimator and policy variables. Option B is incorrect because policy variables are not necessarily operational definitions of estimator variables – they may be conceptualized and measured independently. Option D is incorrect because using policy variables as independent and estimator variables as dependent variables would not typically be appropriate in applied research as the goal is to understand the effect of policy on outcomes, not vice versa.

Which of the Following Statements About the Relationship Between Estimator