Dr. Wood's research assistant is preparing a graph displaying the results of a study in which participants either engaged in self-affirmations or did not, and then rated their current self-esteem. Which pair below correctly labels the x- and y-axes on the graph? Would a line or a bar graph be preferable?
A)x-axis-self-esteem; y-axis-self-affirmations; line
B)x-axis-self-affirmations; y-axis-self-esteem; line
C)x-axis-self-esteem; y-axis-self-affirmations; bar
D)x-axis-self-affirmations; y-axis-self-esteem; bar

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The x-axis should represent the independent variable (self-affirmations or not), and the y-axis should represent the dependent variable (self-esteem ratings). A bar graph is preferable for categorical independent variables.

Dr Wood's Research Assistant Is Preparing a Graph Displaying the Results