To test the impact of mood on generosity, a researcher has half of his participants watch a depressing movie and half watch a comedy. Then the researcher asks all participants for help moving boxes to another room. In this study, mood is the
A) independent variable.
B) dependent variable.
C) confound.
D) covariant.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mood is being manipulated by the researcher, so it is the independent variable. The dependent variable is generosity, as it is being measured based on how much help participants offer in moving boxes. Confounds are factors other than the independent variable that could influence the dependent variable, and covariates are variables that are measured and controlled for in the analysis of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. There is no mention of confounds or covariates in this scenario, so they are not relevant.

To Test the Impact of Mood on Generosity, a Researcher