Question

A researcher examines the effects of type of class on learning. He randomly assigns students to either a blended class or a traditional class. At the end of the semester, he compared their performance on a measure of learning. Which of the following is the independent variable?

A. The learning measure
B. The type of class
C. The control group
D. The traditional class

Answer 1

In an experimental study, the independent variable is the element the researcher manipulates, which is the type of class in this example. Thus, the correct answer is B. The type of class.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of an experimental study, the independent variable is what the researcher manipulates or controls. In the example given, the type of class would be the independent variable, since the researcher is assigning students to either a blended class or a traditional class to examine its effects on learning. The learning measure, or the performance on a measure of learning, is the dependent variable in this scenario, as it is what the researcher measures to determine the effect of the independent variable. Therefore, the correct answer is B. The type of class.