In a study of human development, investigators showed two different types of movies to groups of children. Crackers were available in a bowl, and the investigators compared the number of crackers eaten by children watching both movies. One type of movie was shown at 8 A.M. (right after the children had breakfast) and the other type of movie was shown at 11 A.M. (right before the children were to have lunch). It was found that more crackers were eaten during the movie shown at 11 A.M. than during the movie shown at 8 A.M. The investigators concluded that the different types of movies had different effects on appetite. The treatment in this experiment is:
A)the number of crackers eaten.
B)the different kinds of movies.
C)the time each movie was shown.
D)the bowls.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The treatment in this experiment is the variable being manipulated by the investigators, which is the different types of movies shown to the children. It is the independent variable that is expected to have an effect on the dependent variable, which is the amount of crackers eaten. The time of day that the movies were shown is a control variable that was kept consistent between both groups. The bowl is an extraneous variable that was not directly manipulated or measured in this experiment.

In a Study of Human Development, Investigators Showed Two Different