A study was conducted to determine if videotaped instruction was more effective than written instruction (a pamphlet) to teach menopausal women the benefits of regular mammograms. Which condition would be considered an antecedent variable?
A) There were 38 subjects in the pamphlet group and 34 subjects in the videotape group.
B) During the study, 50% of the videotape group received flu shots, whereas 25% of those in the pamphlet group received flu shots.
C) Four members of the pamphlet group had mothers who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, but no members of the videotape group had mothers who had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
D) While participating in the study, five members of the videotape group began performing breast self-examination (BSE), while two members of the pamphlet group began performing BSE.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Antecedent variables are characteristics of subjects that are measured before the experiment begins. In this case, having mothers who had been diagnosed with breast cancer (C) is a pre-existing condition that could influence the outcome of the study, making it an antecedent variable.

A Study Was Conducted to Determine If Videotaped Instruction Was