Question

Identify the IV (independent variable) and DV (dependent variable) in each of the following:

1. A researcher conducted a study to see if students in low-income schools had lower college aspirations than students in high-income schools.

2. A researcher believes that states with a less educated population would pay their teachers less than states with an educated population. To determine if this was true, the researcher measured the average teacher’s pay for each state.

Answer 1

In statistical experiment, Dependent variable is the variable being tested or measured whereas Independent variable is the variable that is changed or controlled.

1) A researcher conducted a study to see if students in low-income schools had lower college aspirations than students in high-income schools.

Dependent variable = College aspirations in students

Independent variable = school income (low to high)

2) A researcher believes that states with a less educated population would pay their teachers less than states with an educated population. To determine if this was true, the researcher measured the average teacher’s pay for each state.

Dependent variable = teacher’s pay

Independent variable = state where the research is being done