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Analyze the defining characteristics of an independent variable in experimental design. In your analysis, explain how the concepts of 'presumed cause' and 'active manipulation' relate to one another in establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.
Question: Analyze the defining characteristics of an independent variable in experimental design. In your analysis, explain how the concepts of 'presumed cause' and 'active manipulation' relate to one another in establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.
Sample answer: In experimental design, the independent variable is defined as the presumed cause within a cause-and-effect relationship. To establish this relationship, the researcher must actively manipulate or systematically vary this specific factor. By doing so, the researcher can observe what change the manipulation produces in another variable, thereby demonstrating that the independent variable is the direct cause of the observed effect.
Key points:
- The independent variable is the presumed cause in a cause-and-effect relationship.
- The independent variable is actively manipulated or systematically varied by the researcher.
- Active manipulation allows researchers to observe what change is produced in another variable.
Rubric: The response must identify the independent variable as the presumed cause and explain how active manipulation or systematic variation is used to observe changes in another variable, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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