A researcher randomly assigns a group of male and female college students to either gossip about their friends or to play a game of basketball. Afterwards, they administer the students a measure of happiness. They find that students who played basketball are happier than those who gossiped. What is the MOST likely cause of this outcome?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most likely cause of the outcome is that playing basketball made students happier compared to gossiping. This is the only condition that was manipulated between the two groups, so it is likely the cause of the difference in happiness levels. The other options presented are not supported by the given information and are therefore less likely to be the cause of the outcome.

A Researcher Randomly Assigns a Group of Male and Female