One research study stated that "daughters of divorced parents are hypothesized to exhibit higher levels of promiscuity than sons of divorced parents" (Cooney, 1994). In this study, the independent variable is best described as ______.
A) divorced parents
B) level of promiscuity
C) gender of child
D) daughters

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The independent variable is the variable being manipulated or studied to see if it has an effect on the dependent variable. In this case, the independent variable is gender of child, as the study is comparing daughters and sons of divorced parents to see if there is a difference in level of promiscuity. Divorced parents and level of promiscuity are not the independent variables, as they are not being manipulated in the study. Daughters are also not the independent variable, as they are being compared to sons, not manipulated.

One Research Study Stated That "Daughters of Divorced Parents Are