A professor designed a study to determine whether noise level outside the classroom affects exam scores. Three 80-question exams were administered at various points in the course, in the room in which the course was taught, during regular class time. The professor arranged for absolute silence outside the classroom during the first exam, low-level noise during the second, and moderate noise during the third. The professor then compared exam scores across the three exams. Which of the following is a potential confound in the study?

Time in the semester that the exam was given

Absolute silence outside the classroom

Room in which the exam was given

Time in the semester that the exam was given

If the results of a study are statistically significant, they

are most likely not due to chance

most likely cannot be replicated

are the opposite of what was predicted

are most likely not due to chance

Dr. Gregory is utilizing a procedure that identifies groups or clusters of abilities in her intelligence research. Which of the following techniques is Dr. Gregory most likely using?

Chi-squared test of independence

C180 Introduction to Psychology Version 2

Q 1 / 94 00:00

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Question 1

Which of the following is the independent variable in the study?

Your Answer: Option(s)

Correct Answer: Option(s) B

Rationale

Noise level

In this study, the professor manipulated the noise level outside the classroom to determine its effect on exam scores. The noise level is the independent variable because it is the factor being changed or controlled to observe how it impacts the dependent variable, which in this case is the exam scores.

A) Time of exam administration
The time at which the exams were administered remains constant throughout the study, as all exams were given during regular class time. Thus, it does not vary and cannot be considered an independent variable; rather, it serves as a controlled condition in the experiment.

B) Noise level
The noise level is the correct independent variable because it is the primary factor being altered by the professor. By changing the noise levels to absolute silence, low-level noise, and moderate noise, the study aims to observe how these variations affect student performance on the exams.

C) Exam score
Exam scores are the dependent variable in this study, as they are the outcomes being measured. The scores are expected to change in response to the manipulation of the independent variable (noise level), but they are not something that is controlled or varied by the researcher.

D) Exam difficulty
Exam difficulty is not an independent variable in this study since all three exams administered are presumably of the same difficulty. This consistency ensures that any observed differences in exam scores can be attributed solely to the varying noise levels and not to changes in exam difficulty.

Conclusion
In this experiment, the noise level outside the classroom serves as the independent variable, as it is the factor manipulated to assess its impact on students' exam scores. The study's design controls other variables, such as time of exam administration and exam difficulty, ensuring that the relationship between noise level and performance can be accurately examined. Understanding independent and dependent variables is crucial for interpreting experimental outcomes effectively.

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Noise level

Time in the semester that the exam was given.

Results of a study that are statistically significant are most likely not due to chance.

Dr. Gregory is most likely using factor analysis.

Mean is most affected by the perfect score of 100.

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Noise level

Time in the semester that the exam was given.

Results of a study that are statistically significant are most likely not due to chance.

Dr. Gregory is most likely using factor analysis.

Mean is most affected by the perfect score of 100.

Free Preview Ended

Unlock Full Access

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