A researcher conducts a study to determine whether or not taking Vitamin C prevents colds. What is the explanatory variable in this study?
A) Whether or not one takes Vitamin C.
B) Whether or not one gets colds.
C) Whether or not one is a participant in the study.
D) Whether or not one knows which treatment one is taking.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The explanatory variable is the one that is manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect on another variable. In this study, the manipulation is whether or not one takes Vitamin C, to see its effect on getting colds.

A Researcher Conducts a Study to Determine Whether or Not