Question

In Stepper and Strack's (1993) experiment, people rated cartoons as funnier when they held a pen between their teeth than when they held a pen between their lips. Which alternative correctly names and identifies the variables in this study?

A) Independent variable: Type of pen holding; Dependent variable: Cartoon ratings
B) Independent variable: Cartoon content; Dependent variable: Type of pen holding
C) Independent variable: Facial expression; Dependent variable: Pen type
D) Independent variable: Cartoons; Dependent variable: Facial muscle engagement

Answer 1

In Stepper and Stack's experiment, the independent variable is the method of pen holding, while the dependent variable is the rating of cartoons' humor. Participants held the pen in a way to mimic either a smile or a frown, which potentially influenced their perceptions of the cartoons.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the experiment by Stepper and Struck (1993), the independent variable is the method by which participants held a pen (either between their teeth or between their lips), while the dependent variable is the humor rating of the cartoons. To elaborate, the researchers manipulated how the participants held the pen, which is an action linked to facial expressions. Holding the pen between the teeth induces a smile-like expression, whereas holding it between the lips creates a frown-like expression. This manipulation is considered the independent variable because it is expected to drive the change. The participants' ratings of the cartoons are the dependent variable, as these ratings are the aspect of the experiment expected to be affected by the change in facial expression.

Therefore, the correct naming and identification of the variables in this study are: Independent variable: Type of pen holding; Dependent variable: Cartoon ratings, which corresponds to option A).