A researcher conducts a study to compare the effectiveness of different treatmen

Question

A researcher conducts a study to compare the effectiveness of different treatments for generalized anxiety disorder. Each participant receives behavioral therapy for two months, then cognitive therapy for two months, and finally cognitive-behavioral therapy for two months. At the end of each two-month period, a different therapist rates each participant’s levels of generalized anxiety disorder. The results showed that cognitive-behavioral therapy was the most effective, followed by cognitive therapy, followed by behavioral therapy. What is the independent variable? How many levels are there for the independent variable? What is the dependent variable? What is the confound?

Explanation / Answer

1. An independent variable is a variable that can be changed or controlled during an experiment to test the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable. The experimenter controls it. Generally, the input is used to change the dependent variable. It is independent hence, the name. Examples: a new drug to be tested, x in an equation that is the input, etc.

In this experiment the independent variable are the therapies. Therapies provided here are independent of any change from dependent variable and it is being controlled or given by the researcher. Therapies are the input in this research.

2. There are 3 levels for the independent variable. If this were a controlled test then there would have been only 2 level - experimental and control. Here the 3 levels are the 3 different therapies being used and compared i.e. the 3 levels are: behavioural therapy, cognitive therapy, and cognitive-behavioural therapy.

3. A Dependent variable is a variable that is changed or affected during an experiment because of the change in the independent variable. It is not controlled by the experimenter, but is affected by the independent variable. It is generally the output of the independent variable. It is directly proportional or dependent on Independent variable, hence the name. Examples: Effects of the new drug being tested, y in an equation that is the output, etc.

In this experiment the dependent variable the effectiveness of the therapies on generalized anxiety disorder. The effectiveness of therapy varies and the researcher is not controlling it. Effectiveness is the output in this research.

4. Confound or Confounding Variable (Third Variable) is defined as the variable which changes the relation between Independent and dependent variable. If it is not controlled or eliminated by the researcher, it will damage the validity of the research. This variable changes with the independent variable and it becomes difficult to point out what caused the change in the dependent variable. Usually Confounding Variables are extraneous factors like the environment, mood, etc.

In this experiment confound may be the effectiveness within the time period. It will vary with each type of Therapy for each person. For some one of the therapy might be effective, while for others it might not be. However, for some the effectiveness might not be seen inside the time period and by then the experiment might have moved on and the effectiveness will be written down as the next treatment being more effective and by then the experiment might have moved on and the effectiveness will be written down as the next treatment being more effective.

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