Question 1

If the relationships between measures of poverty,chaos,and psychological distress differed depending on whether families lived in rural or urban areas,this variable of population density (rural vs.urban)would be considered a

Accepted Answer

A moderator variable is a variable that alters the strength or direction of the relationship between two other variables. In this scenario, the population density (rural vs. urban) is moderating the relationship between poverty, chaos, and psychological distress. If the relationship between these measures is dependent on whether families live in rural or urban areas, then population density is acting as a moderator variable.

Question 2

Using path analysis,the correlation between poverty and psychological distress can be partially explained by the level of chaos in the home.The chaos variable in this example represents a(n)

Accepted Answer

The chaos variable is mediating the relationship between poverty and psychological distress, meaning it helps explain the relationship between the two variables. Therefore, it is a mediating variable.

Question 3

Correlational research is potentially limited when it comes to

Accepted Answer

Correlational research only shows associations between variables but cannot establish a causal relationship. Other factors may be at play and need to be considered before inferring causation.

Question 4

A researcher identifies a potential mediating variable in the pattern of correlations among variables in a path analysis.If the researcher seeks to make a causal inference about the mediating variable,the suggested next step would be to

Accepted Answer

To make a causal inference about the mediating variable, the next step would be to manipulate the variable as an independent variable in an experiment. This allows the researcher to determine whether changes in the mediating variable cause changes in the dependent variable, which would support a causal relationship.

Question 5

There is a reliable correlation between being outgoing and being satisfied with one's life.One possible way to account for this relationship is that a third variable (number of friends)leads people to be more outgoing and more satisfied with their lives.A correlation that can be accounted for by a third variable such as number of friends is called a

Accepted Answer

A correlation that can be explained by a third variable is called a spurious relationship. In this case, the correlation between being outgoing and being satisfied with one's life may be spurious because both variables may be influenced by the third variable of having a high number of friends. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Quiz 5: Survey Research

If the relationships between measures of poverty,chaos,and psychological distress differed depending on whether families lived in rural or urban areas,this variable of population density (rural vs.urban) would be considered a

Using path analysis,the correlation between poverty and psychological distress can be partially explained by the level of chaos in the home.The chaos variable in this example represents a(n)

Correlational research is potentially limited when it comes to

A researcher identifies a potential mediating variable in the pattern of correlations among variables in a path analysis.If the researcher seeks to make a causal inference about the mediating variable,the suggested next step would be to