Assignment: Identifying Variables

Psy 201 Identifying Variables Worksheet

Instructions: For each research description below, identify the independent variable and the dependent variable in the hypothesis.

1. A researcher hypothesizes that blondes really do have more fun than brunettes. 

Independent variable: _________________________________

Dependent variable: __________________________________

2. A developmental psychologist is testing the hypothesis that children in first grade know more words in the English language than children in kindergarten. 

Independent variable: _________________________________

Dependent variable: __________________________________

3. A health psychologist hypothesizes that people who have stressful experiences are more likely to have headaches. 

Independent variable: _________________________________

Dependent variable: __________________________________

4. A pharmacologist is testing whether a new anti-anxiety medication, Moodcor, will cause people to gain weight. 

Independent variable: _________________________________

Dependent variable: __________________________________

5. A cognitive psychologist believes that people learn more when they study in a quiet vs. a noisy place. 

Independent variable: _________________________________

Dependent variable: __________________________________

6. A researcher believes that time of day has a significant effect on alertness.  

Independent variable: _________________________________

Dependent variable: __________________________________

7. A clinical psychologist hypothesizes that listening to an inspirational tape will lead one to be in a better mood. 

Independent variable: _________________________________

Dependent variable: __________________________________

8. An industrial-organizational psychologist believes that cooler room temperature will increase the productivity of workers. 

Independent variable: _________________________________

Dependent variable: __________________________________