A researcher investigating the effect of peer tutoring on reading skills studies two groups of children in remedial reading classes. One group receives peer tutoring three times a week for three months, the other group does not. At the end of the three months, the two groups are tested in reading skills. What is the independent variable in this experiment?
A) peer tutoring versus no tutoring
B) reading skills level at the beginning of the experiment
C) reading skills level at the end of the experiment
D) reading skills test itself

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An independent variable is the variable in an experiment that is manipulated in order to observe its effects on the dependent variable. In this example, the researcher manipulates whether children receive peer tutoring or not and observes the effects on reading skills at the end of the experiment.

A Researcher Investigating the Effect of Peer Tutoring on Reading