Question

A manager wanted to test whether the amount of noise in a clothing factory affected how

much work employees accomplished. Three groups of employees were tested every day
over a 5-day period. All three groups did the same type of work, they were all equally trained
to do the work, they used the same equipment, and they were tested the same time of day.
Group one was given headphones that blocked out all of the outside noise. Group two was
given headphones that blocked out some of the noise. Group three was not given anything
to block out the noise. The number of shirts made by the employees in one hour was
determined.
What is the dependent/responding variable?
The amount of noise.
O The number of shirts made by the employee.
O The type of music the employees listen to while they work.
O The amount of training employees need.

Answer 1

When seeking to determine the number of shirts made by employees subjected to noise with and without the use of headphones, the dependent variable is the number of shirts made by the employee.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a study or research, the dependent variable is the result of the intervention on the independent variable, which can be modified. In the case presented, the dependent variable is the quantity of shirts made by the employees, the number of which is measured at the end of the study.

It is expected that those employees who block the noise using headphones produce a greater number of shirts than those exposed totally or partially to noise.

For the other options:

• The amount of noise. This can modified by the use or not of headphones and is the independent variable, subject to modification.
• The type of music the employees listen to while they work. Does not represent dependent or independent variable.
• The amount of training employees need. It is not the variable being studied.