A researcher is measuring the heart rate of subjects as an index of anxiety. In this study, heart rate is
1) negatively correlated with anxiety
2) an independent variable
3) an operational definition of anxiety
4) a confounded variable
i think its number 3 or 4 is that right
It is not a confounding variable.
Is it number 1??
You said 3 or 4. It's clearly not 4, so what's your other considered choice?
??
Actually i think the answer is 1. Is that correct?
The heart rate typically increases with the anxiety level, so it can be used as an operational definition of anxiety. (It is one of the indicators used in the lie detector.)
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operational_definition
I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.
To determine the correct answer, let's understand the options:
1) Negatively correlated: This implies that as anxiety decreases, heart rate increases, and vice versa. This statement suggests an inverse relationship between heart rate and anxiety levels. However, it does not clarify the role of heart rate in the study.
2) Independent variable: An independent variable is a variable that is manipulated by the researcher. It is the cause or predictor of the outcome variable. In this case, heart rate is not something that the researcher is manipulating; it is being measured or observed. Therefore, it is not an independent variable.
3) Operational definition: An operational definition explains how a concept or variable is measured or observed. In this scenario, heart rate is being used as a measure or index of anxiety. By measuring heart rate, the researchers are inferring the level of anxiety. Hence, heart rate can be considered an operational definition of anxiety.
4) Confounded variable: A confounded variable is an extraneous variable that may affect the outcome variable and interfere with the interpretation of the results. In this study, heart rate is the variable being measured, and if it is affected by any unknown factors other than anxiety, it can be considered a confounded variable.
Based on the explanations provided above, the correct answer is: 3) Heart rate is an operational definition of anxiety.