Question

Max has developed the hypothesis that the stress felt by unemployed men increases the probability of spousal abuse. In this case, stress would be considered the ________ variable and spousal abuse would be considered the ________ variable.

Answer 1

Answer:

independent variable; dependent variable

Explanation:

An independent variable, in a research study, is the variable that can be manipulated be the researcher, and brings about an effect on the dependent variable. It is referred to as “the cause”. The independent variable when manipulated, brings a change to the dependent variable. The dependent variable, on the other hand, is the effect of the cause of the independent variable. The effect is dependent on the manipulation of the cause.

For example, in Max’s hypothesis, stress is the independent variable, while spousal abuse is the dependent variable. Spousal abuse is dependent on stress.