In a laboratory, smokers are asked to "drive" using a computerized driving simulator equipped with a stick shift and a gas pedal. The object is to maximize the distance covered by driving as fast as possible on a winding road while avoiding rear-end collisions. Some of the subjects smoke a real cigarette immediately before climbing into the driver's seat. Others smoke a fake cigarette without nicotine. You are interested in comparing how many collisions the two groups have. In this study, the independent variable is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The independent variable in this study is the use of nicotine. The study is examining the difference between drivers who smoke a real cigarette (containing nicotine) and those who smoke a fake cigarette without nicotine. Therefore, the use of nicotine is the independent variable being examined. The dependent variable is the number of collisions, as this is the outcome being measured and is expected to be affected by the use of nicotine.

In a Laboratory, Smokers Are Asked to "Drive" Using a Computerized