7) A researcher tells some young students that an experiment will involve solving maths problems to different kinds of music. Those who agree to participate are asked to solve a set of calculus problems while light classical music is playing in the background. After a rest they are again asked to solve a set of equivalent mathematical problems but this time the background is Madonna's greatest hits. The researcher predicts that the students, being young, will perform better while listening to pop music. A possible confounding variable in the music experiment could be:
A) Participant differences in mathematical ability
B) Participant morbidity
C) Population validity
D) Order effects

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Order effects could be a confounding variable because the performance on the second set of problems could be influenced by the order in which the music types are presented, regardless of the music type itself.

7) a Researcher Tells Some Young Students That an Experiment