A university conducts a study of tobacco use among 1000 of its students. Researchers survey male volunteers and female volunteers to find the frequency of tobacco use. The study finds that, of the people surveyed, 250 men and 50 women regularly use tobacco. The university concludes that male students use tobacco more frequently than female students.
Which of the following situations would create a lurking variable that could impact the study?
There may be more than one correct answer. Select all that apply.
If the university surveyed only men who used tobacco at least once in high school, participant history would be a lurking variable.
If the university surveyed more men than women, the number of male and female participants would be a lurking variable.
If the university conducted surveys between only 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., the time of day would be a lurking variable.
If the university surveyed only students aged 18 to 22, the age of participants would be a lurking variable.
If the university extended the study to include 2000 participants, the number of participants would be a lurking variable.
The correct answers are:
- If the university surveyed only men who used tobacco at least once in high school, participant history would be a lurking variable. This is because the history of tobacco use in high school could be a factor in their current tobacco use, and it is not being controlled for in the study.
- If the university conducted surveys between only 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., the time of day would be a lurking variable. This is because the time of day can affect people's behavior, including smoking habits. By limiting the survey to a specific time period, the study may not capture the full range of tobacco use in the population.
- If the university surveyed only students aged 18 to 22, the age of participants would be a lurking variable. This is because different age groups may have different rates of tobacco use. By excluding participants outside of this age range, the study may not accurately represent the overall population.
- If the university surveyed more men than women, the number of male and female participants would be a lurking variable. This is because the unequal representation of men and women in the study could skew the results. It may not accurately reflect the overall population if there are significantly more men surveyed than women.
- If the university extended the study to include 2000 participants, the number of participants would not be a lurking variable. Increasing the sample size does not create a lurking variable. However, it could potentially improve the accuracy and representativeness of the study results.