Question

A researcher performs an experiment to test the hypothesis that the hormone oxytocin plays an important role in falling in love. In this experiment the researcher measures the oxytocin levels of men and women, and then introduces them to complete strangers. An hour later she asks the subjects of the experiment whether or not they would like to go out on a date with the person to whom they were introduced an hour previously. She finds that the people with the high oxytocin levels were more likely to want to go out on that date than people with low oxytocin levels.

A. Men and Women
B. Whether or not people would like to go out on a date
C. None for this experiment
D. Levels of oxytocin in each individual
For each letter, match the following:
1) Experimental Group
2) Control Group
3) Independent Variable
4) Dependent Variable

Answer 1

The answers are:

1) Experimental Group = Men and Women

2) Control Group = None for this experiment

3) Independent Variable = Levels of oxytocin in each individual

4) Dependent Variable = Whether or not people would like to go out on a date

Step-by-step explanation:

There are some terms associated with scientific experiments. Let me explain each of the terms as captured in the question:

1. Experimental Group: The experimental group in scientific research refers to the group on which an intervention or a factor causing changes to be studied is carried out. In this example, the men and women whose oxytocin levels were measured forms the experimental group, because they fulfilled certain criteria (having certain measurable level of oxytocin) hence they are qualified for studies to be carried out on them.

2. Control Group: The control group is absent in this experiment, but ideally it is the group that possesses every other similar characteristic as the experimental group except for the factor causing the change that is being studied. They serve as a baseline to ensure that the changes noticed are caused by the experimental factor alone.

3. Independent Variable: These are variables whose value are predetermined or preconceived before the start of the experiment. They are the variables whose presence cause an outcome that is measured. In this example, levels of oxytocin are the independent variable.

4. Dependent Variable: the dependent variable is the variable that take on values/outcomes based on the effect of the independent variable.The dependent variables are not under the direct manipulation of the experimenter but have their outcome from the manipulation of the independent variable.