Volunteers for a human performance study were randomly divided into two groups. The first group had their flexibility measured in the morning after a short meditation session while the second group had their flexibility measured in the afternoon with no previous meditation session. The flexibility scores of the two groups were compared.
An example of a lurking variable that might affect the results of this study is:
A) whether the volunteer had a meditation session.
B) the time of day the test was administered.
C) whether the volunteer practiced yoga.
D) whether the volunteer was being paid to participate in the study.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The time of day the test was administered could be a lurking variable as it may affect the flexibility scores of the volunteers. For example, some people may be naturally more flexible in the morning or afternoon, regardless of whether they had a meditation session. The other options (A, C, and D) are not relevant to the study design as the first group had a meditation session, yoga practice was not mentioned, and payment was not mentioned as a factor that could influence flexibility scores.

Volunteers for a Human Performance Study Were Randomly Divided into Two