Researchers were interested in the effects of alcohol consumption on the perceived attractiveness of members of the opposite sex. One group of participants was given four drinks containing alcohol, another group was given four drinks that did not contain alcohol, but both the alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks tasted identical. A final group was given no drinks at all. Next, all three groups of participants rated the attractiveness of members of the opposite sex by viewing pictures and rating attractiveness on a 1-to-10 scale. Which of the following is the dependent variable in this study?
A) whether the drink contained alcohol or not
B) ratings on the attractiveness scale
C) the taste of the drinks
D) alcohol consumption

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dependent variable is the variable that is being measured or tested in the study. In this case, the dependent variable is the ratings on the attractiveness scale, as these are the responses that change depending on whether the participants consumed alcohol or not. The independent variables are the amount of alcohol consumed (or lack of alcohol), and whether the drink contained alcohol or not (to control for the taste factor). The taste of the drinks is not an independent or dependent variable in this study, but rather a control variable to ensure that the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are perceived as identical. Alcohol consumption is an independent variable in this study, as it is being manipulated to see if it affects the ratings of attractiveness.

Researchers Were Interested in the Effects of Alcohol Consumption on the Perceived