A scientist is trying to test a theory about the relationship between people's consumption of alcohol and their longevity. Which of the following variables would the scientist NOT hold constant?
A) the past histories of heart and lung disease
B) the amount of dietary fat that people in the experimental group consumed
C) the amount of alcohol that people in the experimental group consumed
D) the amount of cigarettes that people in the experimental group smoked

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The scientist would not hold the amount of alcohol consumed constant because this is the variable being tested for its effect on longevity. Holding it constant would negate the purpose of the experiment.

A Scientist Is Trying to Test a Theory About the Relationship