A researcher noticed that when a client's socioeconomic status increased they tended to miss appointments with their psychologists less frequently. When their socioeconomic status increased, they had access to a vehicle more frequently. When they had access to a car more frequently they attended therapy more frequently. In this example, having a car is the:
A)Independent variable
B)Dependent variable
C)Moderator
D)Confounding variable

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Having a car is a confounding variable in this example.
A mediator variable is responsible for the observed relationship between two variables (higher socioeconomic status and missing appointments less frequently). Thus, the independent variable (socioeconomic status) affects the mediator variable (access to a vehicle) which in turn affects the dependent variable (missing appointments less frequently). When there is a confounding variable, the independent variable does not cause the dependent variable.

A Researcher Noticed That When a Client's Socioeconomic Status Increased