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Assigning Variables in Factorial Graphs
When graphing the results of a factorial experiment with two independent variables, there is no strict rule determining which variable goes on the -axis and which is represented by formatting features like bar color or line style. Researchers should select the visual arrangement that most effectively and clearly communicates the study's findings to their audience.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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When graphing the results of a factorial experiment with two independent variables, what determines which variable is placed on the x-axis and which is represented by formatting features like bar color or line style?
A researcher conducts a 2 × 3 factorial experiment examining the effects of therapy type (cognitive-behavioral vs. psychodynamic) and session frequency (weekly, biweekly, monthly) on anxiety scores. When creating a bar graph of the results, the researcher places session frequency on the x-axis and uses different bar colors to represent therapy type. A colleague argues that the graph is incorrect because the variable with fewer levels must always go on the x-axis. The colleague's criticism is valid.