The nurse researcher is designing a study comparing weight loss among obese subjects who participated in a weight loss support group with obese subjects who chose not to participate in a weight loss support group.Which factor or condition in the study would be considered an intervening variable?
A) Data collection for both groups occurred over the Thanksgiving holiday.
B) The group who did not participate in a support group had a greater percentage of men as subjects.
C) Three subjects were diagnosed with hypertension 1 month after the study began.
D) Two subjects dropped out of the study 1 month after the study began.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Correct C: An intervening variable (e.g.,hypertension diagnosis)affects the subject during the course of the study and is not part of the study but could affect the dependent variable.
Incorrect A: If a factor affects both groups,then it is likely not an intervening variable.
Incorrect B: Group size and gender would be part of the study.
Incorrect D: Subject attrition would not be considered an intervening variable.

The Nurse Researcher Is Designing a Study Comparing Weight Loss