Final answer:
The independent variable in Dr. Chu's study on the effects of alcohol consumption on physical coordination skills is the amount of alcohol consumed. This variable is manipulated to assess its impact on coordination, with the expectancy that alcohol consumption impairs these skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Dr. Chu's study on physical coordination skills and alcohol consumption, the independent variable is C. the amount of alcohol consumed. The independent variable is a factor that is manipulated by researchers to observe the effect it has on a dependent variable. In this case, the independent variable is the different quantities of alcohol (4, 2, or 0 ounces), which is used to measure its impact on the physical coordination skills of the research participants, which is the dependent variable.
Dr. Chu's research aims at observing the changes in physical coordination skills following the consumption of varying amounts of alcohol. It is hypothesized that alcohol consumption impairs coordination, as acute alcohol administration leads to decreased reaction time, visual acuity, alertness, and behavioral control, potentially causing difficulty in performing tasks that require physical coordination.
It is important to note that different individuals can have different reactions to the same amount of alcohol; factors such as age, sex, pre-existing health conditions, and individual tolerance levels can all affect a person's response to alcohol consumption. Hence, Dr. Chu's study may consider these additional factors to accurately interpret the resulting effects on physical coordination skills.