In Stepper and Strack's (1993) experiment, people rated cartoons as funnier when they held a pen between their teeth than when they held a pen between their lips. Which alternative correctly names and identifies the variables in this study
A)independent variable - cartoon ratings ; dependent variable - pen position
B)independent variable - pen position ; dependent variable - cartoon ratings
C)independent variable - pen position ; outcome variable - cartoon ratings
D)predictor variable - pen position; dependent variable - cartoon ratings

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

B) The independent variable is the condition manipulated by the researchers, which is the pen position (between the teeth or lips). The dependent variable is the outcome measured, which in this case is the ratings of the cartoons' funniness.

In Stepper and Strack's (1993) Experiment, People Rated Cartoons as Funnier