A sociologist sets up an experiment on television violence and children. She shows one set of children (group A) violent cartoons and then observes their play. She shows a second set of children (group B) nonviolent cartoons and then observes their play. Which of these groups would be considered the experimental group?
A) group A
B) group B
C) neither group
D) both groups

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Group A is the experimental group because they are exposed to the independent variable (violent cartoons) in order to observe its effect on their behavior during play. Group B is the control group because they are not exposed to the independent variable, and their behavior is being compared to the experimental group.

A Sociologist Sets Up an Experiment on Television Violence and Children