In an experiment, two groups of college students were shown the same pictures of 25 women from a different campus. However, for one group, the photos were altered to make the faces in the photographs appear more symmetrical. Participates rated the attractiveness of the women on a one to ten scale with ten being very attractive and one be very unattractive. In this experiment, which variable is most likely a control variable?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sex of the person in the pictures is most likely a control variable because it is not being manipulated in the experiment and is not expected to have an effect on the outcome of the experiment. The variables being manipulated are the symmetry of the photographs and the ratings of attractiveness. The rating scale is also not a control variable because it is a measurement tool being used to assess the outcome variable of attractiveness ratings. The fact that the subjects were college students is also not a control variable because it is not being manipulated and is not expected to have an effect on the outcome variable.

In an Experiment, Two Groups of College Students Were Shown