Final answer:
In the study examining the effect of climbing to high altitudes on memory, 'Climbing to high altitudes' is the independent variable and 'Memory' is the dependent variable. Controlled variables are not specified in the provided scenario.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of an experimental study, the independent variable (IV) is the variable that is manipulated or controlled by the researcher to observe its effect on the dependent variable (DV). The dependent variable, in turn, is the outcome that is measured to see how it has been affected by changes in the independent variable.
For the given study, which aims to determine the effect of climbing to high altitudes on a climber's memory, the independent variable is 'Climbing to high altitudes', as this is the condition being manipulated by the researcher. The dependent variable is 'Memory', which is the outcome that the study is measuring. Controlled variables are any other variables that are kept constant to prevent them from influencing the dependent variable, but these are not specified in the scenario provided.
Based on this understanding, the correct answer to the student's question is:
A. a. Independent Variable: Climbing to high altitudes; Dependent Variable: Memory; Controlled Variable: Unknown.