A researcher wants to find out if rats are better at completing a maze more quickly when their trainers are told that they are “maze-bright” rats vs. those who are told that they are “maze-dull” rats. Whether the trainer is told the rat is “maze-bright” or “maze-dull” is which type of variable?
The type of variable in this scenario is an explanatory variable.
The Role of Variables in Research
Variables are factors that can be changed or manipulated, such as characteristics or values. In scientific experiments, variables are used to determine if alterations in one factor result in changes in another. Variables are essential components of the research process, especially in psychological studies.
Explanatory and Response Variables
An explanatory variable is the factor that is manipulated or observed for changes, like the information given to trainers about the rats being "maze-bright" or "maze-dull." On the other hand, a response variable is the outcome or change that occurs as a result of the explanatory variable, such as the speed at which rats complete the maze.
The terms "explanatory variable" and "response variable" are commonly used in research to indicate the relationship between the manipulated factor and the observed outcome. By studying these variables, researchers can gain insights into the effects of different conditions on experimental results.