#1
1. In an experiment, what is the independent variable?
The variable that is manipulated
ExplanationThe independent variable is the one manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect.
#2
2. What is a control group used for in experimental design?
To provide a baseline for comparison with the experimental group
ExplanationA control group helps establish a baseline to evaluate the impact of the independent variable in the experimental group.
#3
3. What is the purpose of a placebo in a medical experiment?
To ensure blinding in the experiment
ExplanationPlacebos help maintain blinding by providing a treatment with no active effect.
#4
7. In statistics, what is the purpose of random assignment in experiments?
To reduce bias and ensure groups are equivalent at the start of the experiment
ExplanationRandom assignment helps minimize bias by ensuring that participants are equally distributed among experimental conditions.
#5
8. What is the difference between correlation and causation?
Correlation is a statistical relationship, causation is a direct cause-and-effect relationship
ExplanationCorrelation indicates a statistical association, while causation implies a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
#6
4. What is the difference between a categorical and a numerical variable?
Categorical variables are qualitative, while numerical variables are quantitative
ExplanationCategorical variables represent qualities, while numerical variables express quantities.
#7
5. What is a confounding variable in experimental research?
A variable that is unrelated to the study but may affect the results
ExplanationConfounding variables are extraneous factors that may interfere with the interpretation of results.
#8
6. What is a factorial design in experimental research?
A design with multiple independent variables, each with multiple levels
ExplanationFactorial designs involve manipulating multiple independent variables with different levels to examine their combined effects.
#9
9. In experimental design, what is the role of a counterbalanced design?
To ensure that each participant experiences all experimental conditions
ExplanationCounterbalanced designs ensure participants experience all experimental conditions, reducing order effects.