Question

Identify the predictor variable x and the response variable y in each of the following situations. (a) A training director wishes to study the relationship between the duration of training for new recruits and their performance in a skilled job. (b) Then aim of a study is to relate the carbon monoxide level in blood samples from smokers with the average number of cigarettes they smoke per day. (c) An agronomist wishes to investigate the growth rate of a fungus in relation to the level of humidity in the environment. (d) A market analyst wishes to relate the expenditures incurred in promoting a product in test markets and the subsequent amount of product sales.

Answer 1

In situation (a), the predictor variable is the duration of training, while the response variable is the performance in a skilled job. In situation (b), the predictor variable is the average number of cigarettes smoked per day, while the response variable is the carbon monoxide level in blood samples from smokers. In situation (c), the predictor variable is the level of humidity, while the response variable is the growth rate of the fungus. In situation (d), the predictor variable is the expenditures incurred in promoting a product in test markets, while the response variable is the amount of product sales.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. For situation (a), the predictor variable (independent variable) is the duration of training for new recruits, while the response variable (dependent variable) is their performance in a skilled job.
2. In situation (b), the predictor variable is the average number of cigarettes smoked per day, and the response variable is the carbon monoxide level in blood samples from smokers.
3. For situation (c), the predictor variable is the level of humidity in the environment, and the response variable is the growth rate of the fungus.
4. In situation (d), the predictor variable is the expenditures incurred in promoting a product in test markets, and the response variable is the amount of product sales.