Dr. Lasagna tests a new diet. Overweight adults are weighed and placed into one of two groups so that the weight of the groups is equal to start with. One group of adults is given the new diet and the other is placed on a waiting list. After three months, Dr. Lasagna observes that the group on the new diet weighs less. In this example, the dependent variable is:
A) the group that received the new diet
B) the group on the waiting list
C) the weight of the adults
D) the new diet

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dependent variable is the variable being measured or observed to see if it is affected by the independent variable, which is the new diet in this case. In this example, the weight of the adults is the dependent variable as it is being observed to see if it is affected by the new diet. The group that received the new diet and the group on the waiting list are the independent variables that are being compared. The new diet itself is not the dependent variable, but rather the independent variable that is being tested.

Dr Lasagna Tests a New Diet