A scientist studied whether climate affected growth in rats. All rats were the same age and from the same parent rats. For the study, they were raised in three distinct climates: tropical, arctic, and multiseasonal. In this study, the climates are _______________.
a.) categorical variables
b.) dependent variables
c.) independent variables
d.) extraneous variables
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An independent variable is the potential stimulus or cause, usually directly manipulated by the experimenter, so it could also be called a manipulative variable.
A dependent variable is the response or measure of results.
Extraneous variables — other than the independent variable — potentially can affect the dependent variable, so they must be controlled. If possible, you try to keep them constant between the experimental and control group.
A scientist studied whether climate affected growth in rats. All rats were the same age and from the same parent rats. For the study, they were raised in three distinct climates: tropical, arctic, and multiseasonal. In this study, the climates are
extraneous variables
independent variables
dependent
The climates in this study are categorized as independent variables.
To determine the answer, let's understand the different types of variables involved in a scientific study:
1. Categorical variables: These variables represent distinct categories or groups. In this study, the climates can be classified as categorical variables because they represent different groups or categories.
2. Dependent variables: These variables are the outcomes or responses being measured or observed in a study. They are typically influenced by the independent variables. However, in this study, the growth of the rats is not defined as a dependent variable because the researcher is not measuring the effect or outcome of the different climates on the rats' growth.
3. Independent variables: These variables are manipulated or controlled by the researcher to observe their effects on the dependent variable. In this case, the different climates (tropical, arctic, and multiseasonal) are the independent variables as they are deliberately chosen and controlled by the scientist to examine their impact on the rats' growth.
4. Extraneous variables: These variables are other factors that might affect the dependent variable but are not of interest or concern in the study. In this context, other factors such as diet, lighting, or genetics might be considered as extraneous variables.
Considering the above information, the correct answer is c.) independent variables, as the different climates (tropical, arctic, and multiseasonal) are the manipulated and controlled variables being studied in relation to the rats' growth.