In an experiment to find out if talking on a cell phone while driving affects one's driving performance, cell phone use would be
A)the independent variable.
B)a control variable.
C)an extraneous variable.
D)the dependent variable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The independent variable is the variable that is being manipulated or changed in the experiment. In this case, the researcher is manipulating whether or not the participant talks on a cell phone while driving, making cell phone use the independent variable. The dependent variable is the variable that is being measured or observed, which in this case would be the participant's driving performance. Control variables are kept constant to prevent them from affecting the experiment, and extraneous variables are unwanted variables that may affect the results but are not being studied.

In an Experiment to Find Out If Talking on a Cell