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Define what a categorical variable is in psychological research, explain how it is typically assessed, and state the types of examples provided in the textbook context.
Question: Define what a categorical variable is in psychological research, explain how it is typically assessed, and state the types of examples provided in the textbook context.
Sample answer: A categorical variable is a type of variable that represents a characteristic or quality of an individual. It is typically assessed by assigning a descriptive category label to each individual rather than a number. Examples include a person's chosen major, nationality, occupation, or whether they are receiving psychotherapy.
Key points:
- Represents a characteristic or quality rather than a numerical value
- Assessed by assigning descriptive category labels to individuals
- Identifies examples such as chosen major, nationality, occupation, or psychotherapy status
Rubric: The answer must accurately define a categorical variable as representing a characteristic or quality, specify that it is assessed by assigning descriptive category labels instead of numbers, and list examples matching those in the text (such as major, nationality, occupation, or psychotherapy status).
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KPU
Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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Mutually Exclusive Categories
Exhaustive Categories
Examples of Categorical Variables
Dummy Variable
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Define what a categorical variable is in psychological research, explain how it is typically assessed, and state the types of examples provided in the textbook context.
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