Question

Study 2: a study published in the journal of the american medical association (volkow et. al., 2011), indicates that cell phone use speeds up activity in the brain. as part of a randomized crossover study, 47 participants were fitted with a cell phone device on each ear and then underwent two positron emission topography, or pet, scans to measure a specific type of brain activity. during on scan, the cell phones were both turned off. during the other scan, an automated 50-minute muted call was made ot the phone on the right ear. the order of when the call was received (for the first or second scan) was randomized. comparison of the pet scans showed a significant increase in activity in the part of the brain closest to the antenna during the transmission of the automated call. for each study identify the response variable and explanatory variable.

Answer 1

In a research experiment, response variable refers to the type of response that is generated as a result of the parameters that are tested together. In the scenario given in the question above, the response variable is the type of brain activity that was generated and recorded when the call is been received. The explanatory variable is the choice of ear to which the call was placed. In this case, the call was placed to the right ear.