An experimenter tests the hypothesis that physical exercise helps people's mood (makes them happier). Subjects in the experimental group participate on Monday and Tuesday and those in the control group on Wednesday and Thursday. What is the independent variable?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The independent variable is the variable being manipulated or changed by the experimenter. In this case, it is the exercise that is being tested to see if it affects mood. The day of the week is just a scheduling decision and not a variable being tested. The hypothesis is the idea being tested, but it is not the independent variable itself. Mood is the dependent variable, meaning it is the outcome being measured, not the variable being manipulated.

An Experimenter Tests the Hypothesis That Physical Exercise Helps People's