Several recent studies have found that moderate drinkers of alcohol have lowered levels of heart disease risk than non-drinkers. It has been hypothesized that moderate drinking may reduce stress which in turn may lead to a reduction in the risk of heart disease. In this example lowered stress levels would be considered an)_______ variable.
A) independent
B) dependent
C) extraneous
D) mediating

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In this context, lowered stress levels act as a mediating variable because they are hypothesized to be the mechanism through which moderate drinking leads to a reduction in the risk of heart disease, connecting the independent variable (moderate drinking) to the dependent variable (risk of heart disease).

Several Recent Studies Have Found That Moderate Drinkers of Alcohol