Essay

Identify the three variables measured in the television violence and aggression example, and explain what a researcher can conclude if the correlation drops significantly versus if it remains largely unchanged after statistically controlling for the third variable using partial correlation.

Question: Identify the three variables measured in the television violence and aggression example, and explain what a researcher can conclude if the correlation drops significantly versus if it remains largely unchanged after statistically controlling for the third variable using partial correlation.

Sample answer: In this example, the three measured variables are television viewing, aggressive acts, and socioeconomic status (SES). If the correlation drops significantly when controlling for SES, the researcher can conclude that SES is a third variable driving the relationship. If the correlation remains largely unchanged, the researcher can conclude that the relationship between television violence and aggression is independent of SES.

Key points:

  • The three variables are television viewing, aggressive acts, and socioeconomic status (SES).
  • A significant drop in correlation after controlling for SES suggests that SES is a third variable driving the relationship.
  • A largely unchanged correlation after controlling for SES suggests the relationship is independent of SES.

Rubric: To receive full credit, the response must: 1. Identify the three variables as television viewing, aggressive acts, and socioeconomic status (SES). 2. Explain that a significant drop means SES drives the relationship. 3. Explain that an unchanged correlation means the relationship is independent of SES.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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