Question

Below are sets of three variables. On the lines after each set, do the following: Write a hypotheses relating the first two variables. Identify independent and dependent variables. State how you expect the third variable to affect the hypothesized relationship. Draw an arrow diagram including all three variables. Determine whether the third variable is antecedent, intervening, or alternative. Primary caregiver for children (primary caregiver, not primary caregiver); support for Family Medical Leave Law (thermometer scale for support); gender (female, male) Intention to vote in upcoming election; respondent’s general interest in politics; predicted outcome of election (“too close to call,” “somewhat competitive,” “lopsided victory”) Type of lightbulb purchased (regular, energy efficient); difference in cost of regular and high-efficiency lightbulbs (small difference, large difference); concern about global climate change. The only answer given is that there aren't three variables. I really need help with this question.

Answer 1

1. Set of variables:

Primary caregiver for children (primary caregiver, not the primary caregiver); support for Family Medical Leave Law (thermometer scale for support); gender (female, male)

Hypothesis: 'The choice of primary caregiver for children in a family depends on the support for Family Medical Leave Law at the workplace.'

Independent variable: Support for Family Medical Leave Law

Dependent variable: Primary caregiver for children

Effect of the third variable: Gender might affect the choice of primary caregiver in the family. Females are more inclined to become caretaker than their male counterparts.

Arrow diagram:

Type of the third variable: Gender here is an example of an intervening variable.

2. Set of variables:

Intention to vote in the upcoming election; respondent’s general interest in politics; predicted the outcome of the election (“too close to call,” “somewhat competitive,” “lopsided victory”)

Hypothesis: The intention to vote in the upcoming election is effected by a respondent's general interest in politics'

Effect of the third variable: If a respondent has already predicted the outcome of the election he may not be very interested in voting as he/she might believe that they can not change the general political scene.

Independent variable: Respondent's General Interest in Politics

Dependent variable: Intention to vote in the upcoming election

Arrow diagram:

Type of the third variable: The third variable here is an example of an antecedent variable.

3. Set of variables:

Type of lightbulb purchased (regular, energy-efficient); the difference in cost of regular and high-efficiency lightbulbs (small difference, large difference); concern about global climate change.

Hypothesis: 'The difference in the cost of regular and high-efficiency lightbulbs affects the type of lightbulb purchased'

Effect of the third variable: The concern about global climate change might affect the type of lightbulb purchased. If the buyer is more environment conscious then they might ignore the effect of price when purchasing a lightbulb.

Independent variable: Difference in the cost of regular and high-efficiency lightbulbs

Dependent variable: Type of lightbulb purchased

Arrow diagram:

Type of the third variable: The concern about global climate change in the given case is an example of an alternative variable.