In a laboratory,smokers are asked to "drive" using a computerized driving simulator equipped with a stick shift and a gas pedal.The objective is to maximize the distance covered by driving as fast as possible on a winding road while avoiding rear-end collisions.Some of the participants smoke a real cigarette with nicotine 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 is what is being manipulated in the study, in this case the use of nicotine, to see how it affects the outcome variable (number of collisions). The use of the driving simulator is a consistent aspect of the study design and not being manipulated. The number of collisions is the outcome variable being observed, not the independent variable. The driving skills of each driver may be a factor, but it is not being manipulated and is not the primary focus of the study.

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