Indicate the independent variable and dependent variable:
A research psychologist, working in a federal prison, is asked to assess the effectiveness of a new life skills program in promoting problem-solving skills. From a pool of 70 inmate volunteers, the psychologist randomly assigns 45 inmates to three
groups. Group A receives life skills training for 2 hours every day for 12 weeks. Group B meet at the same time but plan all their own activities. Group C takes part in the regular prison program. At the end of 12 weeks, all three groups are assessed
on their ability to solve personal & interpersonal problems by responding in writing to a number of "problem scenarios"presented to them.
The independent variable in this experiment is the type of group assignment: Group A receiving life skills training, Group B planning their own activities, and Group C participating in the regular prison program.
The dependent variable is the participants' ability to solve personal and interpersonal problems, which is assessed through their written responses to the "problem scenarios" at the end of the 12 weeks.
The independent variable in this study is the type of program the inmates participate in. Specifically, it is the grouping of the inmates into Group A (life skills training), Group B (planning their own activities), and Group C (regular prison program).
The dependent variable in this study is the inmates' ability to solve personal and interpersonal problems, as measured by their written responses to the "problem scenarios" presented to them at the end of the 12-week period.
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.