In an experiment, White participants watched one of two videos of a basketball game. In one video, a Black player fouled a White player. In the other video, a White player fouled a Black player. Participants reported whether the foul was intentional. What is the independent variable in this study?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The independent variable in this study is the races of the basketball players, as this is what is manipulated or varied between the two conditions (Black player fouls White player vs. White player fouls Black player). The other variables - the foul itself and ratings of intentionality - are dependent variables, as they are measured or influenced by the independent variable. The participants' race could potentially be a moderator variable, but it is not being manipulated in this study.

In an Experiment, White Participants Watched One of Two Videos