Question

An economics instructor would like to test the theory that spraying lavender essential oil in a room while studying will improve test scores. One group of participants studies in a room that releases 2 ounces of lavender every 3 to 4 hours. The second group studies in a room that does not release any essential oils. Both groups study the same amount of time leading up to all course exams. The instructor records the number of points each group gets on a total of 4 exams during a 5 week summer course. What is the dependent variable?

a. Number of ounces of lavender sprayed every 3 to 4 hours.
b. The number of weeks of the course.
c. If students are allowed to use open notes.
d. The average exam scores for each group.

Answer 1

d. The average exam scores for each group.

Explanation:

The dependent variable, also called the measured or predicted variable is the variable which is being tested or measured in an experiment. It is the variable with which an experiment is being conducted. The outcome of the dependent variable however, relies on another variable called the independent variable.changes in the independent variable affects the outcome of the dependent variable. In the scenario above, the dependent variable is the average exam scores obtained which depends on how the amount of lavender sprayed brings an effect. Ounces of lavender sprayed is the independent variable.