The independent variable is the one that
A) the investigator expects to be influenced by another variable.
B) is randomly assigned.
C) shows the strength of the correlational relationship.
D) the investigator expects to cause changes in another variable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The independent variable is the one that the investigator expects to cause changes in another variable. It is manipulated by the researcher to examine its effect on the dependent variable. A is incorrect because the dependent variable is influenced by the independent variable, not the other way around. B is incorrect because random assignment refers to how participants are assigned to different conditions, not the independent variable itself. C is incorrect because the strength of the correlation is related to the nature of the relationship between two variables, and does not pertain to independent variables.

The Independent Variable Is the One That